On my 21" monitor it loads intensely grainy.

You must have your settings set to stretch the background. I have a 21" monitor and they are crystal clear.

I loaded "this" photograph without any problems. But....I was able to enlarge it first.
http://bighugelabs.com/onblack.php?id=4461213404&size=large

I did click on it first I should add....thanks for the link. Compare it to the one I posted....:0)

I mostly use pictures from my own garden on mine.Have a basket of pretty pink petunias on there now.
Kathi