Norwich's artist run gallery Outpost is dedicated to the uncompromising presentation of contemporary art and can play host to some wacky exhibits, however this month its home to a solo exhibition by painter James Iveson. Plus: Mark Bower, Ernst Nicol, david Jones, Laura Gallow.

JAMES IVESON

Outpost Gallery, Wensum Street, Norwich, until February 24, Mon-Fri 2pm-6pm, free admission, 01603 612428, www.norwichoutpost.org

Norwich's artist run gallery Outpost is dedicated to the uncompromising presentation of contemporary art and can play host to some wacky exhibits, however this month its home to a solo exhibition by painter James Iveson.

Iveson's striking new series of paintings see colours, textures and shapes hover, tangled between abstraction and representation, their forms suggest and hint at their possible inspiration but they remain colour, texture and shape. He uses a palette of rich peacock blues, petrol greens and shadowy greys along with smears of brighter aqua and acid green, burgundy and fluorescent yellow.

The exhibition emphasises his approach, with works shown together as a collection with resemblances but also, contrasting notes. Human sized, his paintings are hung in sequence, panel-like, so that each work holds the eye while at the same time the next demands attention.

www.jamesiveson.com

MARK BOWER

Mandells Gallery, Elm Hill, Norwich, February 4-18, Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, free admission, 01603 626892, www.mandellsgallery.co.uk

Having previously exhibited his work at the Norwich Castle and The Forum, where his painting were part of the Norfolk Contemporary Art exhibition in 2010, Mark Bower is subject of the latest exhibition at Mandells Gallery.

Situated on Elm Hill, the gallery has a strong reputation for showing both contemporary and traditional works, many by locally based artists.

Mark Bower frequently paints in Norfolk but he is far from parochial in his outlook or work. He has also worked and captured Cornwall, County Kerry and Greece.

His paintings are contemporary but not fully abstract. He has produced landscape pictures in both the open air and in the studio. And his figurative work is taken from many years of life drawing with pencil and white paper.

ERNST NICOL

Anteros Arts, Fye Bridge Street, Norwich, until February 25, Wed-Sat 10am-5pm, free admission, 01603 766129, www.anteros.co.uk

Norwich-based printmaker Ernst Nicol, a long time exhibiter of the Norwich Print Fair and much respected and admired print technician, attempts to 'freeze' a fraction of time creating the sense of 'spirit of a place' with his etching and prints.

Born at the foot of the west Yorkshire moors, Ernst worked in forestry and on the reservoirs and spend his early years travelling to remote areas for inspiration before turning to art. He now teaches at Norwich University College of the Arts.

His work is primarily based on aspects of isolation in which atmosphere, environment and its inhabitants are the main elements. 'I have always been fascinated by the transition between daylight and dusk, dawn and daylight and the curiosity of darkness,' he says.

DON'T MISS

DAVID JONES

Adnams Bar, Norwich Theatre Royal, until April 24, free admission, 01603 630000

Based in Norwich, David Jones' exhibition at the Theatre Royal focuses on well-known and historic buildings and bridges in the city using linocuts. 'I always like to include contemporary features in them to put the buildings in their modern context.'

LAURA GALLOW

Assembly House, Norwich, until February 28, free admission, 01603 598688, www.assemblyhousenorwich.co.uk

Fresh from London, Laura Garrow's incredible solo show features her unusual way of creating stunning artworks by piercing paper with a pin. The show features her epic abstract illuminated panels with thousands of carefully placed pinholes and state-of-the-art LED technology, as well as a special preview of new works.