A tip from Gregory Manchess on developing your painting skills was to paint an apple with only 10 strokes. I tried it out, and did not realize how little you really need to create a 3d looking object! It's not so much about the strokes, but clear realization of where light and shadow is, strong shapes, and looking at things in it's simple bone essence. Later I realized that many masters went through this same practice in their learning years.
