La Grande Odlasique... the phrase conjures images of paintings by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres as well as Henri Matisse. Many artists at the turn of the 20th century were a bit obsessed with images of lounging harem ladies. This painting takes that idea and uses it to depict Miss Cali, the elderly and entitled cat of the artist -- who lounges in expectation of service from her people...
The original painting, which currently hangs in Spanish Village Arts Center in Balboa Park, San Diego, CA, is a mixed media collage. I painted paper, then glued it on thin fabric to create a "quilt" -- and then embroidered 2 "quilts" which are strewn over the sofa. Miss Cali is shown in all her opulent splendor with painted paper, incorporating local maps, recipes for creamed crab, and sheet music from "She's a Brick House" (because Miss Cali is "mighty, mighty, and letting it all hang out"). The cat was padded with foam core and cotton batting to add dimension.
This painting is sure to bring a smile to any catlover's face.