Season Diane Dillon

The artwork presents a scene of agricultural labor, likely rice planting, rendered in a style reminiscent of Japanese woodblock prints. Here we see four figures engaged in this activity within a stylized landscape. The composition is dominated by the central group of workers, positioned amidst rows of young rice seedlings that extend into the background.
A large tree with dense foliage occupies the left side of the frame, its branches arching over the scene and providing partial shade. Its dark color contrasts sharply with the lighter tones of the figures garments and the surrounding field. The artist has employed a limited palette – primarily greens, yellows, browns, and purples – to create a sense of harmony and visual unity.
The individuals are depicted in traditional attire, including what appear to be kimonos and conical hats. One figure carries a basket on her back, suggesting the transport of harvested materials or supplies. Another holds a long pole, possibly used for guiding or measuring the rows of seedlings. The postures suggest focused effort and coordinated teamwork.
The background features distant hills rendered in muted tones, contributing to a sense of depth while maintaining the overall flatness characteristic of the artistic style. A decorative border frames the entire composition, adding an element of formality and emphasizing its status as a work of art.
Subtly embedded within the scene is a commentary on rural life and the cyclical nature of agricultural labor. The phrase A Time to Plant, inscribed at the bottom, reinforces this theme, suggesting that the depicted moment represents a crucial stage in the farming calendar – a period of intense activity leading towards eventual harvest. The stylized representation of figures and landscape evokes a sense of idealized beauty and tranquility within the context of hard work.