My question here is fairly simple. Can JTextArea's be set to transparent, but not completely invisible? Also, if it's possible, how can I draw an image behind it (draw the image first, and then draw the transparent text area overtop of it)?
1) Override the paintComponent() method of the JTextArea something like:
g.drawImage(...);
super.paintComponent(g);
2) When you create the text area you will need to give it a transparent background:
setBackground( new Color(r, g, b, alpha) );