Retired carriage horse in Wheaton likes to paint

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CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - A Wheaton artist is gaining nationwide fame. His work is being compared to the late American artist Jackson Pollock.

His wide brush stokes are something Pollock was known for, and you also see the bright colors swooped over the canvass.

Now, would you believe us if we told you the artist is a horse?

"Some people say he reminds us of Jackson Pollock, he's an artist that does broad colorful strokes on canvas," said Margaret Gitter.

Nick is a retired carriage horse from Mackinac Island that likes to paint.

In just 3 minutes, Nick can create a masterpiece.

"When people start cheering, he gets a little more excited and gets a little more animated," Gitter said.

At 22 years old, Nick's trainers say the painting keeps his mind active. He was trained to paint in the same way you would train your dog.

"Slowly I worked with the clicker to have him touch the paint brush and then hold the paint brush and every behavior he would get a click and then a treat," Gitter said.

The walls and tables of the Equestrian Center's front office are filled with Nick's paintings, and he's sold close to 200!

Saddled with the holidays, he's not finished yet.

"It just keeps him young,” Gitter added.

Nick’s paintings are for sale. They go from $5 to $50. The profits are given to the Forest Preserve of DuPage County, which owns the Equestrian Center.