Courtney Balson (b. 1988) is a Richmond-based artist whose paintings explore the complex ecosystems of native meadow habitats. Working primarily in acrylics, Balson captures the layered abundance and fragile beauty of these threatened landscapes through gestural brushwork and vibrant color relationships. Her work moves between intimate botanical studies and immersive environmental portraits, documenting spaces where wildflowers, grasses, and native plants create their own unmanaged compositions. Her process begins with the physical act of immersing in natural surroundings, using photography and plein air drawing to capture fleeting moments and seasonal changes. 

Balson's paintings respond to the increasing loss of native meadow habitats, offering both celebration and conservation through art. By working from direct observation in local meadow environments, she creates works that function as both aesthetic experiences and subtle environmental advocacy. She holds a BFA from Rochester Institute of Technology (2011).