Monk's work is really interesting, thanks for making us aware of it. I think she has a very different audience than the professional portrait artist, an audience that is probably looking for edgier work, and I can't help being a bit jealous.
Michele, i relate to your comment about kids who need braces. That's why I turned to portrait commissions (and my guess is a lot of people on this forum would agree) it was the best way I could figure out to make money as a working mom with skills I already had, and still have the flexibility to be there for my kids.
Its been a struggle for since the first commision to balance what I knew and loved about painting before, with what I've learned about pleasing the client since. The emotional qualities are always key in what parents want to see in their children.
By the way, do people know
The Artist's Complete Guide to Facial Expression ?
Gary Faigin is extremely thorough in breaking down the anatomy of emotional expression in the face, and I've found this a useful reference for myself, and for teaching.