🚀 go-pugleaf

hi,
    I am trying to write a class that will generate bitmapped images....
i would prefer the class not to extend another class (like component),
but have done so due to the grapic restrictions.... this is ok... but i
was trying to create an image and attach a graphics object to it...

Image buffer;
Graphics picture;


buffer = this.createImage(106,73);
picture = buffer.getGraphics();

if i execute the method createimage any place outside of paint(), the
buffer is null and getgraphics throws a null pointer exception.... WHY?

i know i am missing something... but why cant i create images and
operate them on the fly without instantiating a component.... or having
to do everything by some clever method from within the paint() method.

HELP!!!!!!!!!