A celebration of the late Colin Callon's paintings is being exhibited at the Godfery Pilkington Art Gallery.

The event opened on January 12 - a day and a year after he passed away at the age of 74.

A highly acclaimed artist, Colin's oils and water colours will continue to hang in many homes throughout the country.

Famed for his landscapes he loved to capture scenes in the Rivington area of North Wigan. He could often be found with his wife Ellen, two brothers and their wives near Haigh Hall creating various pieces with his individual flair.

His good friend, Joe Keegan, said: "Colin was a loyal member of St Helens Art Club for many years and it was a priority in his life. He worked in a variety of media - watercolour, oils, pastels, acrylics and charcoal.

"He was also an excellent portrait painter who would sometimes give classes to other eager artists. He was a true professional."

As a co-founder of Ashton Art Club, Colin held strong views about modern art. He excelled in painting directly from the subject in hand and he did not believe in working from photographs.

The exhibition displays his remarkable collection of artwork, photographs and personal effects paying tribute to Colin's passion and life's work.

Many of his masterpieces will be celebrated in Liverpool's Capital of Culture 2008. He was one of 28 artists in the North West to have his work included in the Coast exhibition at the 5a Gallery in 2005 as part of the countdown to the 2008 celebrations.

Joe added: "Art was his passion and his knowledge of his subject was extreme. Whether it is a year since he died or a decade, his exceptional work will live on."