So I had a great time at home visiting with family. The only slight sore spot was the reappearance of the Paint By Number/Hanjie book entitled "Paint by Sudoku" which has nothing to do with Sudoku at all (my father was getting into this style of puzzle, and this was the best of the available books at the stores). After complaining about the extent to which sudoku is reframing all existing puzzles, I made a complicated variant several months ago that sort of fit the name. It led to an interesting geometric variant of the standard grid for solving a straight sudoku puzzle so I posted it, even though the picture was a bit unrefined.

I mentioned at that time that I had discovered two great ideas for puzzles and I introduced one of those ideas as Battleship Sudoku. Now, finally, I can unveil the other great idea, which is a very publishable variation of sudoku that truly earns the title "Paint By Sudoku". The methodology also lends itself nicely to what I will call "Digital Paint By Number" puzzles. You'll find examples of both new types in this entry (enjoy!):

( Click to paint your sudoku )