I'd like to quote from a newbie signature tip thread I made about 4 months ago. "Never EVER use brushes for a background. I suggest smudging or using a background stock, but NEVER brush" (can't find the thread so it's not 100% accurate, but I had a tip in there about never using brushes). I think you were gone that time Palad[n, but next time don't try to brush the background.