Courtney Robertson

Courtney Robertson is a painter whose work is deeply rooted in the agricultural and cultural landscapes of the American South and Southwest. Raised on a cotton farm in the delta of Southeast Missouri, her early life was shaped by a strong connection to the land and a lifelong relationship with art. This unique upbringing laid the foundation for the themes that define her work today—stories of place, tradition, and the quiet strength found in rural life.

She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 2003 and later began graduate studies at the University of Mississippi before choosing to focus on her growing family. Over the years, Courtney and her husband, Nick, have lived in eight states, each one leaving its mark on her artistic voice. From the folk influence of the Mississippi Delta to the Native American heritage of Oklahoma, the bold patterns of New Mexico, and the vibrant color of South Texas, every region has offered rich visual and cultural inspiration.

Courtney’s work often explores Native American history and the shifting identity of rural America. She draws meaningful parallels between the past and present—between the freedom and loss experienced by Native communities and the changes affecting modern agricultural life. Through detailed portraits and symbolic compositions, she seeks to visually preserve fading traditions, offering her work as a reminder of the stories, values, and ways of life that shaped the American experience long before the present moment.

Working in acrylic on plywood, Courtney chooses this durable surface for its practicality in a busy home filled with children and large-format projects. Her pieces reflect a belief that art should preserve, honor, and reflect culture—particularly the enduring character of Western heritage and the untold beauty found in everyday life.