Courtenay Birdsall Clifford was born and raised in Alaska. With two artists for parents (including famous Alaskan artist Byron Birdsall), she started her art career early in the finger-paint medium and sold her first masterpiece at age six (to her parents). During high school Courtenay exhibited in several Father-Daughter shows which became annual events throughout her college years.

Fortunately, Courtenay did progress from finger painting and now works primarily in the watercolor medium. Having played with varying subject matter including landscapes, florals, Russian icons, ancient Goddesses and a few pet portraits, she continues to find inspiration everywhere from history to nature to everyday life.

After a few years living Outside, Courtenay heeded the call of her home state and returned to the last frontier. She and her husband, Trevor, and their pound dog Dweller now work and play in Skagway, Alaska. Courtenay's work is shown across the Pacific Northwest. .

Examples of Courtenay's work are shown below.