Nicolas Party's mural at the Marciano Art Foundation, titled "Trees," is a significant site-specific installation that transforms the four-story north stairwell of the foundation into a fantastical forest. This mural, created in 2019, is designed to grow and evolve as visitors ascend the stairwell, turning a mundane journey into an immersive art experience.

Party's "Trees" mural is painted using his characteristic soft pastel technique, which allows for vibrant colors and smooth transitions. The mural spans multiple floors, with the imagery changing from dense bushes on the ground floor to lush treetops as one ascends to the upper levels. This gradual transformation not only enhances the visual impact but also engages visitors physically, making their movement an integral part of the artwork. The use of pastels gives the mural a dreamlike quality, blending realism with surrealism in a way that is both inviting and thought-provoking (Marciano Art Foundation) (Marciano Art Foundation).

The theme of trees is central to this mural, reflecting Party's fascination with nature and its timelessness. He has expressed that trees, as a subject, never grow old or lose their richness, making them ideal for artistic exploration. The mural draws on various art historical references, from the expressionistic landscapes of Claude Monet to the surreal jungles of Henri Rousseau. This layering of influences creates a rich tapestry that invites viewers to consider both the natural world and its representation in art (Marciano Art Foundation) (LA Weekly) .

Installed in the Marciano Art Foundation's repurposed Masonic temple, the mural interacts with the architectural and historical context of the building. The foundation, established by Maurice and Paul Marciano, aims to integrate contemporary art with the historical features of the space. Party's mural complements this mission by transforming the building's stairwell into an immersive environment that blends old and new, engaging visitors in a continuous narrative as they move through the space (Larchmont Chronicle) (Vikings Printmaking).

Nicolas Party's "Trees" mural at the Marciano Art Foundation exemplifies his ability to create large-scale, immersive environments that are both visually striking and conceptually rich. By using the stairwell as his canvas, Party transforms a functional space into a vibrant journey through a fantastical forest, highlighting his skill in blending traditional techniques with contemporary themes (Marciano Art Foundation) (LA Weekly) (Larchmont Chronicle).