Samantha Lee Osner

Samantha Lee Osner

Samantha Lee Osner

Bio

Samantha Lee Osner is a South African fine artist based in Hout Bay, Cape Town. Beginning her artistic journey in photography in 2013, she held her first exhibition, *Daydreams*, in 2018. Her practice has since expanded into original painting and mixed media, combining photography with traditional artistic techniques. Her work is recognised for its soft, atmospheric quality, subtle colour palettes and expressive simplicity. She exhibits at Osner Gallery alongside her father, Martin Osner, and is also an educator at the Art Photography Academy.

Artist Statement

My artistic journey began with photography, which taught me to observe the world through light, composition and detail. Over time, my creative interests expanded beyond the camera, leading me to explore painting and mixed media as a means of expressing something more personal.

Nature has always been an important source of inspiration in my work. I am drawn to the subtle qualities of light, the movement of colour and the quiet beauty found in everyday surroundings. Rather than simply reproducing what I see, I aim to interpret these subjects through my own perspective, creating artworks that capture a particular atmosphere, feeling or moment.

My creative process is both experimental and intuitive. I enjoy working across different mediums, allowing photography, paint, texture and colour to interact in unexpected ways. Each technique offers its own possibilities, and I find that combining them gives me greater freedom to develop an idea beyond its original form. Some artworks begin with a photograph, while others develop through the physical process of painting, where each layer introduces new possibilities.

I am particularly interested in the balance between structure and spontaneity. While composition provides an important foundation, I value the freedom to experiment and allow the artwork to evolve naturally. This approach has encouraged me to develop a visual language that reflects my individual experiences and artistic interests.

Ultimately, my work is about creating a connection between the subject, the artwork and the viewer. I believe art offers an opportunity to see familiar things differently and to appreciate qualities that might otherwise go unnoticed. Whether through photography, painting or mixed media, my intention is to create work that feels authentic, considered and expressive, while continuing to explore and grow as an artist.

Selected Exhibitions

  • Impressions of Grace – Osner Gallery, Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa. 2026
  • Whispers of Nature – INARA, Val de Vie, Cape Winelands, South Africa. 2026
  • Reverie: Expressions of Light – Osner Gallery, Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa. 2025
  • Timeless Transcendence – Osner Gallery, Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa. 2024
  • Abstracts of Light – Osner Gallery Private Collection, Cape Town, South Africa. 2023
  • Memoirs of Light – The Argyle, Woodstock, Cape Town, South Africa. 2023
  • Reminisce – Osner Gallery, Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa. 2022
  • Serendipity – Osner Gallery, Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa. 2021
  • The Unveiling – Osner Gallery, Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa. 2019
  • Reverie: Névé – Osner Private Collection, Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa. 2019
  • The Opening Exhibition – Osner Gallery, Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa. 2018
  • Daydreams – Art Photography Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa. 2018

Publications

Elegance: My Journey in Fine Art Photography – FRAMES Magazine, Volume 15, April 2024. Featuring Daydreams No. 3, Eternity No. 1, Memir No. 1, La Vie est Belle No. 1, Whispers of Nature No. 1, Precis – Innocence and Harmony of Gold.