Chess painting by Theo Michael titled Make Your Move

Chess & Board Games

Fine Art Prints by Theo Michael

It's a serious game

Theo has played chess his whole life. When he met Anja's father, a German who spoke little English, the board became their common language. No words needed. Just the game, and everything it said between two moves.

Chess still features in Theo's daily life. The paintings in this collection came from that world, the concentration, the quiet competition, the theatre of two people entirely absorbed in each other across a board. They are not illustrations of chess. They are paintings about what chess does to people.

"While all artists are not chess players, all chess players are artists." — Marcel Duchamp

Each fine art print on archival paper is individually hand signed by Theo Michael in the studio in Larnaca — a small mark that makes it entirely his, and entirely yours.

Canvas prints are produced and shipped by our print partner to ensure the highest quality reproduction. They are not hand signed.

Not sure which format to choose?

Fine art prints are hand signed by Theo in the studio. Canvas prints arrive ready to hang. Read our full guide to help you decide.

About our Fine Art Print 

About our Canvas Prints→

Fine Art Print of a chess painting titled Make Your Move by Theo Michael

The story behind the print

Make Your Move is the most confrontational painting in the collection. Where other chess paintings invite you to observe, this one involves you directly, you are the opponent. The whisky, the time clock, the bravado of the figure's relaxed confidence. Every piece on the board has been placed deliberately. Theo knows chess well enough for that.

View Make Your Move

Watch Theo's painting process

Theo filmed the making of three chess paintings showing initial sketches to finished work. This is what it looks like.

''This artwork really captures the tension and mood of the game.
Truly a game of Kings, I love seeing it on my wall in my study everyday.''

Angela M., UK, The Chess Players