Michel Testard: An Artistic Evolution from Sketches to Expressionist Canvases
From an early age, Michel Testard’s natural talent for drawing set him on an artistic path, supported by his family’s deep artistic heritage, which included sculptors, publishers, painters, and architects. Sketching and coloring were constant companions during his childhood, whether at home, school, or while traveling. Even during his time in management consulting, he found ways to integrate his artistic sensibilities into his work, using drawings to distill complex business ideas into simple, powerful visuals. Some of these illustrations still decorate the offices of CEOs, a testament to his ability to communicate through images.
Testard’s artistic transformation accelerated after he first visited India 25 years ago. The country’s dynamic energy, vivid colors, and cultural richness inspired him to deepen his artistic practice. He began by sketching architectural wonders—palaces, temples, and historic ruins—taking influence from British Orientalist painters like Thomas and William Daniell. Initially working with ink, wash, and watercolor on paper, he gradually expanded his scope to include people, music, urban life, and nature. As his subjects diversified, so did his techniques, leading him to explore acrylic and oil painting on larger canvases. Encouraged by Indian friends, he held his first exhibition in May 2018 at Bikaner House in Delhi, marking the beginning of his career as a professional artist with regular exhibitions in both India and France.
His expressionist style is characterized by fluid, rapid drawings and intense, luminous colors. His work, though varied, maintains a consistent emphasis on spontaneity, atmosphere, and emotional depth. Testard’s landscapes reflect his travels, from the bustling streets of Indian cities to the stark, icy expanses of Antarctica and Iceland. While his Indian compositions are filled with bright, mythical elements, his Nordic landscapes adopt a more restrained palette, evoking a sense of vast, untamed wilderness. Goa, with its layered cultural history blending Indian and Portuguese influences, holds a special place in his work, particularly in his Room with a View series. Whether capturing Indian classical musicians, jungle scenes reminiscent of Rudyard Kipling’s tales, or humorous portrayals of yogis and maharajas, his paintings invite viewers to explore different cultures with both wonder and curiosity.
