Well you are right there. I have tried many times to please even dial up users,but then I think what for. If it is an art site with a reason for viewing images I'd like to make them look as good as I can. Plus I like playing with html and trying new things.I also checked the speed loading yours against mine and they are the same.Just seemed slow because I could real the words Image loading. About your background.I like it because it reminds me of British Racing Green and it accents your banner well.

"The happiness of a man in this life does not consist in the absence but in the mastery of his passions."