Washington native Michelle Salazar expresses her emotions through painting. After graduating from Oak Harbor High School she attended Cornish College of the Arts before transferring to Western Washington University, graduating with a Bachelor's of Arts in 1996.

Since 2003 Michelle has chosen to use the cowboy image as a symbol of emotions. Michelle often utilizes shadows and her own personal touch of carving and scratching lines, symbols and text directly into the canvas, giving each piece more depth and meaning. The cowboy image that is depicted in her work is non traditional. There is a sense of post 40's abstract expressionism in the work she creates. Each stroke or mark has a subconscious and emotional charge. The images are erotic and intimate, portraying strong personal, yet common feelings.

The work that she creates portrays courage, loneliness, strength, rebellion, love and heartbreak. These are all reoccurring themes portrayed through the images of cowboys. Everyone has been broken hearted, lost someone special, had feelings of hopelessness, joy, winning and losing. Michelle's work tells a story and that story is different for everyone. Some of the appeal of her work is her ability to show not only the tender and passionate sides of the heart, but also the vulnerable and flawed sides. People can look at a piece and relate it to a specific time in their own lives, their own personal experience and make a connection.

In addition to being passionate about painting, Michelle is also passionate about giving back to the community. Michelle routinely donates to multiple causes and charities including: LGBT Community Center, Verbena, Lambert House, Seattle's Men's and Women's Chorus, PONCHO and Children's Hospital.