Well. For now I'm throwing the towel in. I think the puzzle is interesting but there are obvious things that make it stand out as more frustrating than challenging. If it was straightforward, I am sure it would have been solved by now. There are many people showing promising ideas, but there is a lack of any notable progress.

The creator likely will not provide any assistance as it gives her more use unsolved than solved (advertising and it will be a hallmark if it remains unsolved as the MYSTERIOUS painting that baffled tons of people. When in reality, if a solution is published, it's probably riddled with inelegance and logical jumps that you'd have to be lucky in order to explore). Good luck everyone!