The grainy look is a result of using the realistic sun/realistic method with low antialiasing (I believe). You could try increasing the antialiasing in combination with the realistic sun/realistic method or use the quick method/"regular sun" as supposed to using the realistic method to render. Both options have their ups and downs.
a quick note on realistic sun/realistic method: there is an additional setting called "number of samples".. you could also increase this value to decrease the graininess - correct me if I'm wrong.
You are correct. It is rendering the way I need it.
Rendering in AC is another chapter that I have to study.
I wish I could have a budget for the book from Atkinson.
Thank you.