I would like to share an idea with you, it was probably mentioned before but with no much response,
idea: The branches and leafs show a path to the solution

The beginning of this puzzle is (quote from "The Phoenix and the Turtle" by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE)
So between them love did shine
That the Turtle saw his right
Flaming in the Phoenix' sight:
Either was the other's mine.  

here is a picture of the idea:
https://imgur.com/gallery/XeMgS

the puzzle is divided into "sections". The path, what to do next, is shown by the branches (sometimes partially obscured by other objects) and leafs.
According to this theory we are in section 1, arrow 1. :-)

some observations: there is the phoenix hair, a brunch "skipping" 1 or 2 branches below, a K (or R or B) and a leaf pointing at the small blue flame