If something isn't addressed below - I welcome an EMail from you to ask your specific question. Ultimately, if you have a "can I use" question I suggest you also read my Statement of Copyright as it also addresses these questions. However, I'm not a tech-support individual so if you're having problems using these images beyond what is addressed below I may not be able to help you. It may be a matter to consult your operating-system manual about. These F.A.Q.'s are also largely oriented toward MS-Windows users. I'm not a Mac guy... not even at gunpoint.



I've set a picture on my desktop, but can't see it all, or, I can't see all the picture when I open it, I have to scroll or it's cut-off. Why?

The majority of my free wallpaper images (prior to May 2003) are rendered at 1024x768 or better. This is, by current standards, a popular size for most monitors and resolutions. If you have a graphics-program/editor you can simply resize the image to fit your screen. Images done after that have been rendered to 2100x1500 to allow them to be reproduced as large, archival-quality framed prints. However, they have been scaled down (for the free wallpaper) to a more manageable 1024x731. This small change in height (from 768 pixels down to 731) is negligible but retains the entire image as seen in the impressive framed prints without cropping.

Additionally, if the picture is set on your desktop as wallpaper, it can further be adjusted to your screen by going to "Display Properties" (for Windows users). From there you can select Picture Display's drop-down menu. Choosing Stretch or Center should help. I remind you that not all of my work looks good stretched as it can distort some elements (such as planets). In such a case Centering is your best choice. You can also Enlarge your desktop to take full advantage of viewable area. I personally have my 15.4" laptop monitor, for example, set to 24-bit (True Color), 1280x1024.

OK, I've set the size, but the subtle color blends don't look very good, or they show "banding." Why?

Most images are rendered in 24 bit (per pixel) True Color, you may have your desktop set to only 16 Bit. Simply move it up a notch, or indeed, to 32 bit. You don't know what you're missing!

I'd like to save your picture so I can view it on my desktop, but without having the Active Desktop set, how?

I'm not a fan of the Windows Active Desktop for more reasons than I will go into. But, there is a workaround...Simply convert the original JPEG (*.jpg) picture file into a bitmap (.BMP).

You have a few options, but the main ones are 1: Right click the image to save it from this website, and choose Save-As and select the file format as .BMP.
2: If you've already set the picture as your desktop, simply browse to the original JPEG file and open it in MS Paint or some other picture editor, and then select Save-As and save in .BMP format.

Thereafter, simply right click on your desktop and browse to the picture under the Background options.

Why not just use .BMP format in the first place?

Because BMP files are massive by comparison to JPEG. The larger the file, the longer it takes to open up on the web because of bandwidth usage. I try to be mindful on my site of people using slower internet connections (56K).

The quality of a properly compressed JPEG file looks reasonably close to a full-sized BMP file, but is only 10-20% the size.

For AOL Users:

...the graphics don't look very good? Here's why:

AOL uses an irritating graphics compression routine to speed up (slightly) web browsing, but subsequently the picture quality suffers (immensely).

I don't like it at all, as hours (or days) of work are rendered blurry and non-descript.

If you want to turn the compression off (please) and appreciate the artwork for what it really is, simply do the following:

1. When the AOL browser is open, select the Files drop down menu, followed by Preferences to bring up the options dialogue box.

2. Select WWW for web preferences, and in the dialogue box that appears, select Web Graphics, and on that page de-select (Uncheck) the Use Compressed Graphics check box. That's it. You'll now be able to see the pictures as they really are. Though, in my humble opinion, I'd recommend just minimising AOL and using Internet Explorer or Navigator for your actual browsing.

For more detailed information read this.

We like your artwork, can we use it on a t-shirt, poster, flyer or CD case, etc?

No. I personally control almost every aspect of my art beyond the use of wallpaper. If one of my pieces is to be featured on clothing, or in print (such as a poster or CD cover) or something else, chances are I've already made that item available for consumer purchase. Please visit my online store to purchase my art in product form.

Can I use your work on my website or banner ad?

Again, I maintain the strictest of standards of how and where my art is displayed. I do make provisions for commercial use. There is a useage contract and fee involved in such cases. As for using my work on your website (whether for profit or not) I do not allow this. If you want to use it on your site - you must  purchase the rights. Please contact me directly to inquire about purchasing my work for your website. However, if you would like a banner for use - please check these out!