This is made as a fixed background so you can scroll the data away and get a better look when you compare to the original file.

This file is 75% reduced.  It is  now 20,412 in size and takes 30 seconds for this page. (My system it's even faster than what FrontPage guesses. Mine did it in the same time as the original  btw!) But, let's say it is 5 seconds less as Front Page estimates. For 5 less seconds, it's more blurry!!!
I made both pages with the same data & graphics so they could be equally compared.

Notice how blurry this image is?  The base of the tree and it's branches often have white areas where the compression has literally removed color.
Although the leaves are more blurry, well leaves and branches are really fuzzier.
Look at the obvious awareness of every pixel in the rainbow especially.

I've made some spaces on this page so you can scroll and look at what I mean.

Compression reduces color intensity and details. :(
Scrunching size will - what I call - chunk up colors and drown details.

See this image at 100% real quality scanned from it's original art.

Quality remains true to how the art was painted.

You want speed, then you'll have to go with solid colors, or tiles.

But art on-line is a personal choice by special webmasters.
 

And, compression of images is also a personal choice per use.
Some want to compress only 10%, others want to compress more.

I am unable to provide you with images with several compression offers.
I give you the ORIGINAL and the BEST QUALITY for FREE!

And really, this sales pitch to let you think you'll get more hits if your pages are zippy is a ploy to sell "image scrunching services" just like website submission services did a year or so ago.  Money is tight on the net. These folks will try anything to tantalize your egos into getting more hits or sales.
I sell nothing, so I am being really honest when I say that to me, Image compression, Graphic Compression, Photo Scrunching are new buzz words to make money in someone else's pocket.  

THINK BEFORE YOU SCRUNCH!
IS IT REALLY NECESSARY?

5/11/03
Unfortunately, I have used up all of my 200 MB of space for my site. Because of this, I had to swallow my pride and compress my watercolor backgrounds to make more room. I also purchased a bit more space, so that this site can remain on-line and keep growing for a few more years.

Therefore, everything that you read about watercolor background compression is not up-to-date. But I kept the pages up as examples of what does happen if compressed too far.
I compressed all watercolor backgrounds approximately 10-15% and I don't think it destroyed the artful look. (crossing fingers x !!! )