CANALS Resurrected is the title of the latest exhibition at the Smith Gallery, Brighouse, and features some excellent work by Keith Parkinson who lives at Barrowford, Lancashire, near the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.

His aim, in most cases, is not to give us a literal presentation of waterway landscapes but to use plenty of imagination and skill in creating his own visions which are often dramatic.

A sculptural assemblage of canal debris, including a steering wheel and painted and plain wooden panels, leads to a series of Resurrection paintings in oils with a strongly contemporary approach.

The pictures feature elements of landscape – trees, fields, water and snow – woven into powerful compositions which excite the imagination.

Turning to other parts of the exhibition, Drawing at Top Lock shows a more representational approach, nicely lit with figures and scene well integrated.

An entirely different selection of figures comes in the Fresh Air Therapy trio of oil and inks which are symbolic in nature and reflect the emotions of canal-users.

Keith explains: “They are a cathartic examination of deeply personal issues surrounding health and recovery process.”

Force (oil) shows the power of gushing water. Red patterns (oil) is a dawn-like impression of a hilly landscape with a strong sense of atmosphere and the white tups of lock gates indicating the position of the canal.

The famous Pendle Hill is recalled in Pendle Black, a panoramic triptych (acrylic and ink) with red and orange the vivid dominating colours.

A large triptych, Barrowford Locos (oil) shows yet another different approach from the artist – a powerful, semi-abstract composition, almost geometrical in form.

With Beyond the Locks, Frost by Lock Cottage (oil), we are back to another atmospheric waterway scene, while Town Centre Haunts (oil) comprises an interesting mix of buildings and figures.

Parkinson, who says he likes to work outdoors or in the studio from location sketches, is a former primary school headteacher with more than 25 years teaching experience.

The exhibition at the Smith Gallery runs until June 19 and opens Monday to Saturday (closed Wednesday).

l SEVERAL artists from the Huddersfield area have had works selected for the South Yorkshire Open Art Show, now on view at the Cooper Gallery, Barnsley.

They include Sue Atkinson (Stormy Runswick Bay and Bait Diggers), Jane Burgess (Storm in the M62), Stephen Court (New Mooring) Keith Mountain (Landscape Fragment and Gothic Quarter, Hot Day in Yorkshire).

The exhibition runs until Friday, May 7, and the gallery opens Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm, and Saturday 10am to 3pm.