Alternatively, you can call the panel's repaint() method. I don't know the difference between calling repaint() over calling validate().
You should look at
the Javadocs for JPanel to find out for yourself.
Layne
p.s. For future reference, we have a
GUI forum where such questions are discussed on a regular basis. You should consider posting related questions there as the experts on this particular portion of the
Java API are more likely to be hanging out there.
[ March 02, 2005: Message edited by: Layne Lund ]