How long in Alaska: Before moving to Homer, Collins spent several years in Skagway. He is trained as a horticulturalist and started a greenhouse while he was in Skagway prior to learning carpentry.

Education: Collins said he took a couple of months of school in Seattle, Wash., when he had a winter off from work. Other than that, he hasn’t taken any classes. But, he has decided he wants to go to an art school, and this winter will spend time traveling and applying for art schools. Either New York or California sounds good.

“It’s gonna be one coast or the other,” Collins said.

Day job: After he moved to Homer, Collins began working for Alaska Timber Frame as a joiner.

Painting: Collins sells his paintings and has shown a few pieces during the time he has lived in Homer.

During the summer, he keeps his focus trained on work. Because of that, he only completed three pieces of art this summer. Besides, he said, it’s hard to focus on painting when it’s so nice outside.

This winter Collins hopes to spend more time painting in preparation for an exhibit.

How long painting: “I’ve always done something creative,” said Collins, who plays the guitar as well as paints. “It’s just always been there.”

Reason for painting: “I love art because it’s a mirror,” he said. “It shows you what you are and what you’re made of.”

For Collins, painting something is a way to understand it.

Currently, he has been focusing on realist paintings of nudes.

Other hobbies: When not involved in carpentry, painting or playing his guitar, Collins enjoys hiking, biking and paddling during the summer.

In the winter, he spends any spare time painting.