Solved
Sim doesn't paint from reference for a contract
Paint from reference is broken. Sim takes a picture then doesn't do anything while holding the drawing tablet. Contract requires the sim use the drawing tablet for art. No mods addons etc. Base game....
I managed to fix it. I now realize the tablet was also bugged in that it would only let me paint from reference, not the other types of paintings! I sold the tablet, moved the entire family to another lot, quit the independent career, went back home, joined the career again and bought the tablet, and tried to paint from reference and it worked. Hope it helps someone else. Giving myself $1000 in cheat money for the trouble!
