Picnic in the jungle (after Manet 'déjeuner sur l'herbe') (2022) Painting by Michel Testard

I work between the Val du Loir, Paris and India where I had been living for twenty years and from which I draw most of my inspiration. Venerable ruins, mysterious interiors, prolific jungle, shimmering colors and above all the people of India, so diverse and full of humanity.

My work comes from wandering travels throughout twenty states of India, by train, car and motorcycle. I used to make quick sketches or took photos of the scenes, events which stroke me and I transformed them into paintings when back in my studio.

Originally a business consultant, I am essentially self taught in painting but also trained by the Ateliers de la Ville de Paris. I started to show my work in India, then moved back to France. Critics see my work as non conceptual but imaginative, spontaneous and somewhat eclectic. I do draw some inspiration from Masters like  Manet, Matisse, Valloton or Gauguin.

• Nationality: FRANCE
• Date of birth : 1950
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary French Artists