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NEWS

Here you will find the latest news about my artistic life.

Coloured pencil technique meets photographic art at the K1 Art Forum in Graz


Silvia Schmitt, known as "Topenga", is showing a valuable selection of her coloured pencil drawings. Photo artist Ferdinand Krainer presented "Steuerungselemente", a specially staged photographic installation.


K1 Kunstforum Graz

The exhibition can be visited until 8 May 2024.


LEADERSNET.ART


Artworks by Silvia Schmitt and Ferdinand Krainer - Now at the K1 Kunstforum


Coloured pencil and photo art - Exhibition opening at the K1 Kunstforum


Photorealistic coloured pencil technique and photographic art were recently presented at the vernissage of two different styles at the Kunstforum in the K1 Tower in Graz. Silvia Schmitt, also known as "Topenga", travelled from Germany to present a selection of her artfully designed pictures with coloured pencils, which she had created with the finest detail work based on photo references. Together with Ferdinand Krainer, who presented his new photo art exhibition "Control Elements", she offered a fascinating insight into her works. Over 80 art enthusiasts attended the opening of the exhibition to view the artworks.


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Exhibition at the K1 Kunstforum Graz


From 10 April to 8 May 2024, photo artist Ferdinand Krainer and Silvia Schmitt aka Topenga will be exhibiting their artworks together at K1 Kunstforum Graz.


Topenga will present her photorealistic pencil and coloured pencil drawings under the title "Von Terminatoren und Bauerntöchtern". There will also be wonderful FineArt editions on high-quality and unique FineArt inkjet papers. The limited FineArt prints and all paper products used by Topenga for this exhibition are provided by the paper manufacturer Hahnemühle.


Ferdinand Krainer is known for his depictions of world-famous personalities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone. His exhibition "Steuerungselemente" comprises symbolic images created in his camera, which he will present in graphic design. They differ significantly in style from his previous motifs and are intended to satirically illuminate some of the backgrounds of our actions.


The vernissage (Invitation Only) will take place at 18:00 on Tuesday, 09 April 2024 in the K1 Tower of the host Helmut Konrad. 


Opening hours during the exhibition


Mon - Thu from 10 am - 4 pm, Fri from 10 am - 1 pm


K1 Art Forum


Alte Poststraße 156, 8020 Graz in the K1 Tower

Contact: 0316 57 77 55 office@k1-group.at


https://www.k1-group.at/kunstforum/


Topenga FineArt at the WPPI at the Mirage, Las Vegas


Topengas art will be shown in the USA for the very first time! From 05.-07.03. FineArt reproductions of her Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mystique drawing will be on display at the Hahnemühle booth at the photography fair WPPI in Las Vegas! The venue will be the iconic Mirage which once thrilled audiences with Siegfried & Roy and the White Tigers and was featured in various Hollywood films. 


https://wppiexpo.com/


Topenga at Creativeworld Frankfurt 2024


We are excited to announce that the talented artist Silvia Schmitt will be live-painting at our booth at the Creativeworld on Saturday 27.1.2024 from 10 – 13 h CET. Silvia aka @topengaart  is known for her very detailed and photo-realistic drawings of people. She is particularly inspired by faces that have a strong character and that have a story to tell. Among her drawings you can often find motifs of films or television.


Silvia already discovered her passion for drawing at a young age and her long and intense commitment have been awarded several times, for example with the American Art Award.


Schwarzenegger commission: Silvia Schmitt draws for Arnie


Arnold Schwarzenegger could not believe it: The portrait of him looked like a photograph, but was "only" created with coloured pencils. He took a closer look and was speechless what Silvia Schmitt had created on an A3 piece of paper. A vivid drawing, full of radiance. Almost like a photograph, but with Silvia Schmitt's very personal touch.


You can find the full article here:


https://www.topenga-art.com/presse


Friedberg-Bauernheim becomes a digital village


As part of the federal "Smarte.Land.Regionen" programme, three villages in the Wetterau district, including Bauernheim, will test the "DorfFunk" app and the associated "DorfNews" website as pilot villages.


The Dorfnews homepage is already open to the public and filled with interesting articles. In one article, I was allowed to introduce myself as an artist:


https://www.dorfnews-wetteraukreis.de/von-terminatoren-und-bauerntoechtern/


LGT Climate Conference in Vienna 


On 20 October 2023 the LGT bank hosted its first Climate Conference, a new platform to further understand and discuss sustainable investment strategies - and to address growing concerns surrounding climate change.


Patron of the Climate Conference was Prince Max of Liechtenstein who received several gifts.  Famous photographer Denis O‘Regan handed over limited editions of his legendary David Bowie and Queen photographs and my Arnold Schwarzenegger drawing.


The limited editions have been produced by Hahnemühle and printed on Hemp Digital FineArt paper (Hahnemuehle Natural Line).  https://www.hahnemuehle.com/en/digital-fineart/fineart-media/natural-line.html


Interview for the podcast LISTEN


Arnold Schwarzenegger inspires many people, including a German artist, Silvia Schmitt.

We meet her in Thal near Graz, in the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum. Silvia Schmitt is a photorealism artist, her work, her exterior and interior appear congruent, she seems to have arrived at herself.


https://soundcloud.com/daniela-480161629/listen-dd-silvia-schmitt-episode-2-arnold-schwarzenegger?si=df41d2a479234ebb995cafc1c1ee5187&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing


Exhibition at the Kreishaus: Of Terminators and Farmers' Daughters


Arnold Schwarzenegger, Christopher Lloyd and Michael J. Fox, better known as Marty McFly and Dr. Emmett L. "Doc" Brown from "Back to the Future": They and some other celebrities from the world of film and television can be seen in an exhibition at the Kreishaus in Friedberg. Photorealistically drawn by Silvia Schmitt. District Administrator Jan Weckler opened the exhibition.


https://wetteraukreis.de/aktuelles/pressemitteilungen/detail/von-terminatoren-und-bauerntoechtern-neue-ausstellung-im-kreishaus


Exhibition of my Arnold Schwarzenegger drawing at Photopia Hamburg


From September 21 to 24, a reproduction of my Arnold Schwarzenegger drawing was exhibited at the booth of the renowned paper manufacturer Hahnemühle at Photopia Hamburg. The limited FineArt edition is printed on Photo Rag® Pearl by Hahnemühle and is accompanied by a Hahnemühle certificate of authenticity.


More information on Hahnemühle and the FineArt inkjet paper used:


www.hahnemuehle.com

Photo Rag® Pearl



Diggytalk - Der Podcast rund um die Digitale Welt

SILVIA SCHMITT - Künstlerin - Arnold Schwarzenegger Portrait

Season 1, Ep. 47 • Freitag, 15. September 2023


In der Kulisse des Arnold-Schwarzenegger-Museums durfte ich mit der Künstlerin Silvia Schmitt ein Interview führen. Sie hat bereits einige bekannte Persönlichkeiten porträtiert. Unter diesen Personen waren u.a. Ralf Möller und Arnold Schwarzenegger. 


https://shows.acast.com/diggytalk/episodes/silvia-schmitt-gute-kunst-braucht-zeit


Exhibition: "Of Terminators and Farmers' Daughters"


From Sept. 18 to Oct. 27, 2023, the drawings of artist Silvia Schmitt can be viewed at the Friedberg County Hall. Let yourself be surprised and enchanted by the works of the self-taught artist.


Address: 

Europaplatz - Building B

61169 Friedberg


Opening hours: 

Mon. to Wed. 07.30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thurs. 7.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

and Fr. 07.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.


Hollywood stars as motifs: photo-realistic drawings by Silvia Schmitt


We are thrilled to introduce you the new edition of our famous “Featured Artist” series on our blog. Silvia Schmitt aka Topenga is known for her stunning, detailed photo-realistic drawings of unique faces of people, who stand out from the crowd. She is known for her paintings of well-known celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ralf Möller, or Neve Adrianne Campbell in her role as Sidney Prescott in Scream. In the interview, she talks about the art of photorealistic drawing, how she chooses suitable motifs of people, what exciting experiences she has had with her work over the years, and much more. Enjoy reading the interview with Silvia on our blog.  


www.blog.hahnemuehle.com/fotorealistische-zeichungen-von-silvia-schmitt/


„Frankfurters do not know their own artists": Artist collective wants to change that


Tülay Sanlav wants to bring people together through art. Her collective of artists "Eyecandy Frankfurt" is fighting for this on Instagram and in the Nordwestzentrum.


https://www.fnp.de/frankfurt/frankfurter-kuenstler-kunstkollektiv-eyecandy-frankfurt-nordwestzentrum-instagram-92449531.html



Exhibition "Im Namen der Kunst" (In the Name of Art ) at Nordwestzentrum Frankfurt


"Im Namen der Kunst" is the name of the latest exhibition of the artist platform Eyecandy Frankfurt, to which I belong since a few weeks. Together with sculptor Peter Brauchle and artists from Gang Bang Tattoo, I share the Temple of Arts gallery in the Nordwestzentrum Frankfurt from August 16 to September 16, 2023.


The vernissage will take place on August 16 at 6 pm.

Gallery hours: Thursday through Saturday, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.


https://www.templeofarts.de/ausstellungen



Exhibition of Silvia Schmitt extended


The exhibition of the artist Silvia Schmitt alias "Topenga" is extended until July 30.

The photorealistic artworks look like photographs at first glance, but have been put on paper by hand with a lot of patience using pencils or coloured pencils. In addition to portraits of well-known personalities, animal and nature motifs are on display as well. So-called "work in progress" pictures also illustrate the elaborate process of creating the drawings. The museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 3 to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 2 to 6 p.m. 


Source: Eschborner Stadtspiegel



Why Silvia Schmitt draws for Arnold Schwarzenegger


Amazingly realistic portraits, drawn only with coloured pencils. A talent that even great Hollywood actors are thrilled about.


https://www.1730live.de/warum-silvia-schmitt-fuer-arnold-schwarzenegger-malt/



Exhibition opening: "Of Terminators and Farmers' Daughters"


The vernissage will take place on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, 6:30 p.m. at the museum of Eschborn, Eschenplatz 1.


Silvia Schmitt has loved art ever since she can remember. In 2014 she finally discovered her passion for photorealistic drawings. Get an insight how it all began in Eschborn and where the path has led the artist in the meantime. Let yourself be surprised and enchanted by the works of the self-taught artist.


Opening:

Mayor Adnan Shaikh


The exhibition can be visited until 09.07.2023.


www.eschborn.de


Portrait artist from Friedberg - a drawing for Arnold Schwarzenegger


Silvia Schmitt has already drawn more than 100 portraits of actors and actresses. Now she is working on a drawing of Arnold Schwarzenegger. The new portrait shall be presented to him in October at the latest.


https://www.hessenschau.de/tv-sendung/portraetzeichnerin-aus-friedberg--ein-bild-fuer-arnold-schwarzenegger,video-182834.html


Internet provider Yplay supports artist from Friedberg


True to the motto of the Altenstadt Internet provider Yplay Germany GmbH "In the region, for the region", the photorealistic drawings of the Friedberg artist Silvia Schmitt aka. Topenga now decorate the newly inaugurated office building in Altenstadt-Lindheim. https://yplay.de/


https://wetterau.news/wetteraukreis/altenstadt/521-lindheim/15534-wetterauer-internetanbieter-yplay-unterst%C3%BCtzt-k%C3%BCnstlerin-aus-friedberg.html


Arnie wants a drawing from me!


Silvia Schmitt specialises in photorealistic drawings and has a very famous client: Movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger.


https://www.bild.de/regional/frankfurt/frankfurt-aktuell/friedberg-sie-malt-fuer-schwarzenegger-portraet-arnie-will-ein-bild-von-mir-83698114.bild.html


Friedberg artist commissioned by Arnold Schwarzenegger


Silvia Schmitt draws portraits that look almost like glossy photos. She is currently working on her largest work to date: a portrait of Arnold Schwarzenegger, commissioned by the actor himself. In an interview she explains how it came about.


https://www.hessenschau.de/kultur/darum-zeichnet-eine-friedberger-kuenstlerin-ein-portrait-fuer-arnold-schwarzenegger-v1,kuenstlerin-malt-arnold-schwarzenegger-100.html


Heart of Schwarzenegger conquered


Artist portrait of the Wetterauer Zeitung and announcement of my solo exhibition in Eschborn.


https://www.wetterauer-zeitung.de/wetterau/friedberg-ort28695/herz-von-schwarzenegger-erobert-92215270.html


Exhibition opening at Stadtmusem Eschborn on 24.05.2023


I am very happy to announce that on May 24th my very first solo exhibition will open in Eschborn! It has long been a dream of mine to have an exhibition in my hometown and I cannot wait to present my work to you in person.


More information will follow soon!


UPDATE on the event at the Arnold Schwarzenegger Musem on 30.07.2019


A few months ago I have informed you that my Arnie drawing will soon be part of the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum in Thal, Austria. There are barely two weeks left until the event and I am really looking forward to it! There is a very important change, the celebration will no longer take place on 27 but on 30 July (Arnold's birthday). You are welcome to be at the museum at 10 am, I would be very happy to see you there and spend the day with you!


https://arnieslife.com/


Topenga at the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum on 27 July 2019


This year I will be accorded a very special honour. My Arnold Schwarzenegger drawing will soon be one of the exhibits at the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum in Thal (Graz). For Arnold's birthday fans and friends organize a celebration every year at which an attraction is showcased to the guests and the press. This year my drawing will be presented and placed in the museum. At this point many thanks to Mr. Peter Urdl for this incredible opportunity! Arnold's birthplace is the official and worldwide only museum that is bearing his name and is personally supported by him. Since 2011 you can visit the place where it all began. Here you can follow the beginnings and career of the probably most famous living Austrian. Numerous exhibits including personal memorabilia of Arnold show his remarkable career and also the most important stages of his life such as childhood and adolescence, bodybuilding and film career as well as the time being the Governor of California. Come by and enter the life of Arnold Schwarzenegger. I would be very happy to see you there!


For further information please visit the museum's website: https://arnieslife.com/


Topenga at the German Comic Con in Dortmund on 13. and 14.04.2019


Hello dear ones, guess what is around the corner? That is right, the German Comic Con Spring Edition 2019 in Dortmund! Please swing on by and keep me company in hall 7 on 13 and 14 April. I am going to have a large selection of fine art prints as well as mugs, magnets, stickers and more for you. I will gladly sign your purchased items. Do not miss this opportunity. I cannot wait to see you there!


https://germancomiccon.com/



Meeting voice actor Ekkehardt Belle at the Weekend of Hell on 05.11.2018


In November 2018 I had the pleasure to meet actor and voice actor Ekkehardt Belle at the convention "Weekend of Hell" in Dortmund. Mr. Belle has appeared in many films in the past, but nowadays only works as a voice actor. He lends his voice to numerous actors including Michael Madsen in the Tarantino movie "The Hateful Eight". At the event I was able to present my drawing of the film to Mr. Belle and talk to him about his work.


                                                                 https://weekend-of-hell.com/


An Experience with Arnold Schwarzenegger in Birmingham on 21.09.2017


The organiser of the event "An Experience with" became aware of my Arnold Schwarzenegger drawing and invited me to his event in Birmingham. I was a guest of the show and one of my exclusive art prints was personally signed by Mr. Schwarzenegger and auctioned at the event.


https://www.experiencewith.com/


Meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger in Munich on 01.10.2016


2016 was a special year for me, because I had the chance to meet Arnold Schwarzenegger and present him my drawing. The original has since been part of his personal art collection.


http://www.schwarzenegger.com/

http://schwarzenegger.usc.edu/

https://afterschoolallstars.org/

https://www.schwarzeneggerclimateinitiative.com/

https://www.bayerischerhof.de/de/index.html


Topenga at the London Film and Comic Con 2015


In 2014 I was able to attract the attention of the organiser of the London Film and Comic Con with the release of my Oola drawing. He asked me to draw Robert Englund and his alter ego Freddy Krueger in one person. I happily accepted and even attended the event in person which was one of the best shows I have had the pleasure of attending. It was an honour to be part of the LFCC and present the exclusive artwork to the Freddy Krueger fans and Robert Englund himself.


https://londonfilmandcomiccon.com/



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