Nicolas Party's portraits featuring animals are a unique blend of his characteristic vibrant pastel work and an exploration of the relationship between humans and nature. These portraits are part of a broader thematic approach where Party juxtaposes human figures with animals, creating a dialogue that is both visually striking and rich in symbolic meaning.

Party often employs a surreal, almost fantastical aesthetic in these works, where the animals are not mere accessories but integral parts of the composition. For example, in works like "Portrait with a Donkey" and "Portrait with an Eagle," Party uses animals to enhance the emotional and narrative depth of the portraits. These animals often obscure parts of the human figure, creating a sense of mystery and inviting viewers to ponder the underlying relationship between the subjects and their animal counterparts (Ocula) (Ocula).

The use of animals in his portraits is influenced by historical art practices, particularly those of 19th-century French realist painter Rosa Bonheur, who is known for placing animals at the center of her works. Party's approach pays homage to this tradition while infusing it with his contemporary style, characterized by bold colors and fluid, expressive lines. The animals in Party's portraits are depicted with a sense of life and individuality, often mirroring or complementing the human figures they accompany (Ocula).

In his series "Dinner for 24 Animals," Party extends this exploration further, using animals in a series of ceramic plates that combine functional art with fine art. Each plate features a different animal, painted with the same attention to detail and vibrant color palette that defines his larger works. This series underscores Party's ability to merge different artistic mediums and traditions, creating pieces that are both aesthetically pleasing and thought-provoking (Artsy).

Nicolas Party's portraits with animals are a testament to his innovative approach to portraiture. By blending historical references with contemporary techniques and themes, Party creates works that are not only visually captivating but also rich in symbolic meaning, inviting viewers to explore the complex relationships between humans and the natural world (Ocula) (Artsy) (Ocula) .