In the sunny world of visual arts this fortnight I visited two exhibitions, both of which I am happy to report I enjoyed as much as Damian Hirst loves formaldehyde (i.e. a lot!).

I went along to Earth Soul Music, an exhibition of paintings by Lynette Kay at the O3 Gallery.

The space itself is interesting, an unusual circular room on two half levels with stairways either side.

It is a strange experience to look at the work while walking in a circle, and indeed I became slightly dizzy, (although I'm treating that as part of the experience!). The abstract paintings are bold, colourful and very textural, and some seemed loosely based on figures, structures or landscapes.

According to the literature I was handed by the friendly girl on the front desk (who had lovely pink nail varnish, by the way), the paintings are largely inspired and influenced by music, and it is interesting to see the artistic interpretation of this.

I have no idea what music the artist had been listening to, but am inclined to imagine that it was more likely to be Mozart rather than Marilyn Manson (although perhaps it's because I think Marilyn Manson obliterates the very essence of music as soon as he opens his mouth).

It could have been a spot of jazz or a light sprinkling of folk, I'm sure I could have asked, but it is more fun guessing! The show is on until March 16, so be sure to head down to the O3 gallery following your Saturday morning shopping spree.

Last weekend, after a tiring week at work, I decided it was time to treat myself to some more of what the Oxford art scene has to offer, and so on Mother's Day I accompanied my mum to a private view at the garden gallery in the Oxfordshire Museum, Woodstock. The exhibition, Within Walls, features the work of Oxford-based artists Helen Ganly, Mohamed Bushara and Madi Acharya-Baskerville.

The work is an artistic response to a French medieval prison tower, and it was evident that each of the artists reacted to the brief in contrasting ways. I have to say a huge wow', as the whole exhibition was truly inspiring.

Helen Ganly's work featured intricate little cut-out paper castles, card and paper constructions featuring photographs of prisoners' behind bars, and the Matilda Box', a corrugated cardboard structure housing layers of glass with painted acrylic flecks, which was beautifully lit giving the impression of a snow-dome.

Mohamed Bushara displayed zinc panels that had been masked out and then dipped in nitric acid, which eroded the surface. He then collaged on top of these and added black ink. These panels, normally used as the means to produce etchings are themselves objects in their own right and have become the works of art.

There was a whole wall dedicated to a plethora of small postcard-sized images, all vivid and alive with colour and texture. I have to say that Mohamed Bushara is a lovely guy, and so humble about his work too.

I particularly liked Madi Acharya-Baskerville's work, which included found objects such as pieces of wood and plastic.

One of my favourite pieces is a variety of wooden blocks that had been beautifully painted in oils and strung from the ceiling like a mobile.

On another wall was a series of wooden shards that had been delicately painted, and opposite was an ephemeral piece titled The Dream, a wooden construction with a Bollywood couple in the centre, gazing lovingly into each other's eyes.

I am ashamed that I hadn't realised that there is an art gallery at the Oxfordshire Museum, and I'm glad I've now discovered this hidden gem.

Earth Soul Music by Lynette Kay. Open until March 16 O3 Gallery, Oxford Castle, OX1 1AY. Tel: 01865 246131 Winter opening times: Mon - Closed; Tues-Fri 12-5pm; Sat-Sun 11am-4pm.

Admission free www.o3gallery.co.uk Within Walls open until March 30 The Oxfordshire Museum, Park Street, Woodstock, Tel: 01993 811456 Opening times: Mon - Closed; Tues-Sat 10-5pm; Sun 2-5pm. Open Easter Sunday and Monday 2-5pm.

Admission free

5:06pm Thursday 6th March 2008

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