I don't think painting it will help. It looks like a nice piece of wood an I don't think the body style is bad. The musical instrument economy is down. Your situation is compounded by the fact that the luthier is not very well know. If you like that guitar I'd hold on to it. Didn't you say it's a Buck Dharma inspired guitar? Have you looked for any BOC fan sites or forums? That might be a good route.