"Zinnias in Glass Vase", oil, 11 x 14 $450

My challenge set up!

Challenges

I decided to set some challenges for myself.  I'm not completely happy with the results, but it's a beginning.  One is some beads in a cellophane bag, and the other is a hydrangea in a clear glass vase with colored marbles in the water against a blue green background. 
I'm curious if some of you who see this are more successful.  I would love to see some similar work that you might have done.  At least, I would love some comments on what I could do better.

Hydrangeas and marbles in glass vase

Cellophane bag