
# [030](/030)

![canvas](https://res.cloudinary.com/abstract-puzzles/image/upload/w_2000/030_mpe-uka_oln-tau-uis?raw=true)

In a return to simpler forms, this design combines the layering effect of [028](/028) with clusters of vertical bars. Each group of strokes has slightly varied opacities running across it so the colours vary across the design.

Building on the diagonal puzzle pattern first introduced in [026](/026), this refactors the cutting algorithm and adds new corner shapes and five-sided edge pieces. I wanted to make all the pieces roughly the same size without compromising the layout. It's now much easier to line the edges up but as they can't be attached to form a frame you're still encouraged to work outwards from the middle of the puzzle.

My solve on this puzzle was haphazard - I started by grouping the darkest colours and connecting some of the more distinct areas of colour which led to lots of small islands of connected pieces. I leaned quite heavily on lining up the edges which was a bit of a crutch, and then connected the pieces as I saw them without much of a strategy. I think this design had a really good balance of colours and textures, but my solve didn't do it justice.



# [028](/028)

![canvas](https://res.cloudinary.com/abstract-puzzles/image/upload/w_2000/028_epg-jtq-tqp_bwy-ttq-irx-psd?raw=true)

This design introduces a third shape layer, 3x the fidelity of the first layer, and uses circles, pills, and quatrefoil shapes. I made the lines divide the shapes rather than sit on top of them, highlighting the arrangement of the shapes on the grid rather than overpowering them.

Similarly to my last 2 puzzles, I started this solve by fitting together the brightest colours. Due to the granularity of the shapes this resulted in lots of small islands of assembled pieces, it was fun and a little confusing to figure out how they all fit together.



# [029](/029)

![canvas](https://res.cloudinary.com/abstract-puzzles/image/upload/w_2000/029_asn-ybq_ojd-ihc-mwh-zmq?raw=true)

This design adds a background grid which is slowly faded out with each layered shape. I removed the lines which divided the shapes in [028](/028), but left the margin between the foreground shapes in place. I really like that this foreground grid is hinted at where the shape edges run parallel, it's a subtle network of whitespace across the design. Also, hearts!

I really enjoyed solving this puzzle with its rich range of colours and textures. Similarly to [027](/027) I was drawn to assembling the areas with obvious lines first, but as that only covered a small portion of the puzzle I was then forced to look at colour groupings and shape edges to fill in the rest.
