I discovered Courtney Khail’s artwork because of my affinity for stationery: I lurk around card shops and paper stores, and carefully organize my stash of thank-you notes and handmade cards in a decorative box. Denver-based Khail’s delicate, nature-inspired invitations are some of my favorites, so I was thrilled to learn that she now offers original watercolor and ink paintings. A self-professed “science nerd” (she met her husband in a dissection lab), Khail studied scientific illustration in college and often intertwines science and art in both her professional and personal lives.

“With the food series, I wanted to combine my love of cooking with my love of science, so I decided to paint the cross sections of everyday fruits and vegetables in order to showcase their beautiful subtle color changes and line variations,” Khail says. By combining ethereal watercolors with bold, graphic ink, she creates artwork that is both modern and playful. I think I’ll take the key limes ($185) and red onion ($100) paintings to brighten up my kitchen.

Bonus: Khail also designs custom wedding invitations. Her inspirations are constantly changing, so check her Etsy shop often for new designs.

—Images courtesy of Courtney Khail

Follow digital assistant editor Davina van Buren on Twitter ar @davinavanburen or on Pinterest.