Loading Images jpg, gif, png

Question

What is the most effective way to load an image in my application?
Bellow is how i am currently loading the image:
private void drawMap() {
Graphics g = this.picturePanel.getGraphics();
Image img = Toolkit.getDefaultToolkit().getImage(getClass().getResource("/images/claymonmap.gif"));
g.drawImage(img,0,0,this);
This method works however it takes sometime for the image to show. The method is called from a button action, and the image wont display unless I have pressed the button alteast two times. I do not need to do an manipulation to the image simply display it.
I was hopeing for a more instantaneous result.
Your input would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

I changed to using imageicon and i found that its is much quicker thanks.
however i am having troubles with the method bellow. When i click a certain button the focus on a tabbed pane goes to buildingPicturePanel, and the picture flashes up for a microsecond and then the panel goes blank again. The picture wont show till i click the button again.
void getBuildingPic(String id) {
Graphics gBuilding = this.buildingPicturePanel.getGraphics();
ClassLoader cldr = this.getClass().getClassLoader();
String pathBuildPic = "images/"+ id +".jpg";
java.net.URL imageURL = cldr.getResource(pathBuildPic);
ImageIcon img = new ImageIcon(imageURL);
img.paintIcon(this.buildingPicturePanel, gBuilding, 0, 0);
could this be becuase the way i am painting the icon?