"Hampton Rocks" is the title of this exhibited oil painting by Edward "Ed" T. Fleming presented in October at the teaching studio and art gallery that is Creative Ventures Gallery in Milford. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

MILFORD – A quiet man with a well oiled sense of humor is Edward “Ed” T. Fleming of Merrimack — a big guy with a firm grip who left information technology to serve the community by driving a Merrimack school bus for four years and then a Boston Express full time for nearly eight more before finally retiring.

Now, Ed Fleming steers his sable paint brushes into blobs of Burnt Sienna or Titanium White or Yellow Ochre. The hues eventually travel from palette to canvas to frame.

“You know, he’s very good,” whispered Elizabeth “Betsy” Craumer, owner of Creative Ventures Gallery (CVG) in Milford to this correspondent — Fleming’s proud sister.

Craumer, a Bedford resident, teaches pastel and oil painting in the classrooms of the artists’ studios and gallery on Amherst Street. The site is an enclave for education in oil painting, acrylic painting, pastel, watercolor, felting, fluid acrylic pour and printmaking.

Recently mounted in the gallery for exhibition at this year’s Student Show and Art Sale (Oct. 4-25) was a trio of Fleming’s works and others from talented students. He takes weekly painting classes at CVG with Betsy Glass of Milford, one of the gallery’s team of artists.

"Still Life with Fruit" is one of three oil paintings displayed to the public in a first-ever exhibition by Edward "Ed" T. Fleming of Merrimack during Creative Ventures Gallery and teaching studio's recent student show and sale. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

Glass is a Virginian who speaks with a shadow of a southern accent. She taught art in public schools for 20 years. Her award-winning paintings are sold regionally and within coastal North Carolina.

“Oil painting is like athletics,” Glass said. “The more you do it, the better you get.”

Fleming shared with the public during the month-long event his oil paintings, “Hampton Rocks” and “Milford Bridge” and “Still Life with Fruit.”

Participants at the oil painting class of Oct. 18 included Instructor Betty Glass, Ed Fleming, Emilie Pray of Amherst and Lisa Starnes of Amherst. All continued work in progress.

Craumer, whose love of pastel sprouted in her teen years, attended Maryland Institute of Art and has continuously enriched her skills in pastel and oils. Her artwork is for sale at the gallery, on its website and elsewhere.

"Milford Bridge" is the title of an oil painting by Edward "Ed" T. Fleming debuted to the public during a recent student show and sale at Creative Ventures Gallery in Milford. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

Fleming contends that creating art enriches the practitioner — from the inside out.

“Art allows you to express that thing inside of you that longs to speak,” Fleming said. “Inspiring others and being inspired yourself is a wonderful thing — you’re leaving a legacy about who you really are.”

Craumer said she tries to find time, every few years, to do a student show because the paintings look so much more impressive when framed and a show teaches students how to present their work to the public.

“Don’t miss the upcoming show, Small Works / BIG IMPACT, one with a variety of work from professional artists,” Craumer added. “The show will be on display from Nov. 1 to Dec. 21 with a reception on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 6-8 p.m.”

More information on Creative Ventures Gallery, 411 Nashua St., Milford, is available online at creativeventuresfineart.com.

A work in progress for Edward "Ed" T. Fleming of Merrimack is this portrayal of the Milford Oval bandstand, a landmark drawing performers at town events and other activities for 129 years. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

A recent oil painting class at Creative Ventures Gallery (CVG) in Milford drew enthusiasts that included these members: Instructor Betty Glass, foreground, seen here with other artists, standing from left, Bedford's Betsy Craumer, gallery owner and teacher of pastel and oil painting, Emilie Pray of Amherst, Lisa Starnes of Amherst and Edward "Ed" T. Fleming of Merrimack. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

Edward "Ed" T. Fleming of Merrimack, who recently enjoyed the debut of three of his oil paintings featured in a student show and sale at Creative Ventures Gallery in Milford, works on an oil painting of the 129-year old bandstand at the Milford Oval during a Saturday morning class. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON