For an excellent discussion on the use of background colors and the presentation of text, check out Net Tips for Writers and Designers . This site offers the best discussion of this subject matter I've come across. Graphics Techniques for Web Page Images . The following list of sites provide an excellent source for free clip art and graphics. Take note that some providers require recognition of the author in order to use their creations.
Most browsers provide for the ability to save any graphic displayed as an option.
For instance, in Netscape, placing the cursor arrow over the graphic and using the right button of the mouse brings up a menu which includes the option to save the graphic to a local directory. The Clipart Directory This may be the most comprehensive list clipart sites on the Web. The best resource link I've seen for background colors and textures. AOLPress Clip Art Clipart, Icons, Dividers, Party Art, Backgrounds, and Arrows all free from AOLPress. This is the graphic editor I use.