IT DOESN’T TAKE LONG for Cholla to knock out a painting. A shake of his deep black mane, a jiggle or two, and he’s done.

Meet the latest star of the Reno art scene, a half-mustang equine with an eye for form and a craving to create. Never mind that horses can see only limited colors. Cholla’s owner, Renee Chambers, is convinced his artistic vision is rare … and so are some art lovers.

Chambers taught Cholla to paint last May, and he’s been cranking out masterpieces ever since. Chambers picks the color scheme, but everything else is up to Cholla, who knows just what to do when a brush reaches his mouth.

“Now, when he sees me set the easel, he starts pawing the ground,” Chambers said. “I load the brush with the paint. Then he takes the brush from my hand.”

Cholla’s work already is available in Reno’s Alexandratos Gallery and through several Web sites. But if you want to adorn your wall with his artistry, get your checkbook ready. Original watercolors start at $600 and limited edition giclees go for $85.

“People think they’re priced high, but you know what? They’re staying high,” Chambers said. “Go get your horse to paint you a picture.”

One thing’s certain. Cholla’s a horse of a different color. Learn more at artistisahorse.com.

Forrest Hartman is the arts editor and film critic for the Reno Gazette-Journal.