Bringing Smiles Fills Life of Affton Artist

Tiffany Buchek of Affton is lucky to have a career that she loves.

Buchek runs “Painted With Smiles,” an art business that started out with her painting wall murals only and now has her doing custom art of any sort. Her only requirement: it must make the recipient smile.

“My mission with Painted with Smiles is to create art that will serve as a perfect and happy addition to any room in your home or office,” she said.

Buchek, once an elementary school art teacher, sought out her work when she wanted to find something she could do once her daughter Tessa Brea was born last August. 

“I came up with the idea for painting children’s wall art when my precious baby girl was born,” she said. “I was designing her nursery and ‘poof!’ My love for painting happy and colorful nursery art was born.”

Buchek does most of her art with acrylic paint. Though she enjoys doing the children’s murals, her custom artwork where is most popular. Many people see pictures on her website and ask if she can personalize one for gift giving or for special occasions. She has been asked to create works for special occasions like births, weddings, anniversaries or graduations. 

"All my work is done on what I call my 'art table' in our apartment," Buchek said. "Although it makes things quite challenging for me, Tessa is always right there by me throughout my whole painting process."

Tiffany Buchek gets some of her artistic flair from her mother Shelley Brummer, who has an eye for art. As Tiffany was growing up the Brummer household, it was filled with art, including Shelley’s large collection of Santa Claus dolls. 

"I absolutely got my love for art from my mom," she said. "I grew up watching her always decorate and paint just about anything she could get her hands on."

Buchek’s father, Glenn Brummer played for the Cardinals in the magical year of 1982. He is famous for stealing home that year, and wears a World Series ring. 

"We're proud of Tiffany for what she's doing with her art," Brummer said.

The Brummer house was always filled with baseball art. Looks like nothing’s changed with the next generation. 

For more information on Tiffany Buchek's Painted With Smiles, check out her website: http://www.tiffartsy.etsy.com.