I did this speed paint in about 2 hours.  That may not seem very speedy, but for me to get something "finished" that quick, even a little study of an apple, is pretty sweet!  I got inspired after watching a video 
Hollie Hibbert put up on her blog of a study she did.  I still have some questions about specific parts of her process, but it was a great exercise for me.  I even made an ABC's list of subjects that Brandon helped me choose for further speed paint exercises.  
PS: if you haven't seen Hollie Hibbert's work, you can check it out at her blog 
here.  She graduated a few semesters before I did and her work has always been very inspirational to me.  Thanks Hollie!
A is for Apple
Speed Paint ~2hrs
Photoshop CS5