KÄREN BAGNARD

A magical realm of mermaids and fairies; a whimsical world of fantasy and romance. All coming from Kären Bagnard’s studio, nestled in the beautiful foothill community of Altadena, California.

Kären’s elegant and expressive greeting cards are truly unique. Each hand embellished card is awash with colorful splashes of watercolor – highlighting the fine lines of her mermaids, fairies and wizards – that seem to spring to life on paper.

Where does the inspiration come from? Maybe it’s genetic. Kären, the daughter of two artists, has been drawing her whole life and is largely self-taught. Or could it be the tradition of story telling that is part of her Danish culture? After all, this is the land of Hans Christian Andersen. And let’s not rule out the stories told by her sea-captain grandfather, Thorveld Petersen, as another source of fire for her imagination.

Whatever the source of the inspiration, Kären has been creating these one-of-a-kind greeting cards since 1989. These frameable art cards can be found in fine stores, small specialty shops, healing centers, book shops, and boutiques throughout the United States and the United Kingdom. 

Every year, her following looks forward to her Christmas line; the images of Santa that emerge from her drawing board have become collectible pieces of art.

“When we are being creative we are
in touch with the Divine within.”
— Kären Bagnard, More Than Mermaids

With a background in advertising, marketing and human resources, Kären relishes the opportunity of helping others discover their creative spirit. Her card workshops – where she teaches clients to create their own unique handmade paper cards – enable people to be creative in surprising ways. 

There is healing power in creative energy. Ask some of her clients:

 
  • Verdugo Mental Health Center (now Dee Dee Hirsch)
  • Pasadena Adaptive Recreation
  • Institute for Girls’ Development
  • Pasadena Senior Center
  • St. Barnabas Senior Services
  • Mothers’ Club of Pasadena
  • Giant Steps in Los Angeles 
  • The Fine Artists’ Factory
  • Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter
 

In addition to her card line, Kären has illustrated books, designed stained glass windows and created murals in San Francisco; Bentonville, Arkansas; and Altadena. She has volunteered her art skills for the benefit of Pasadena Playhouse; Friends Outside; and Miller Dwan Medical Center in Duluth, Minnesota.

Kären Bagnard is available for commissions and special projects.