Ran drew his inspiration for art from the beautiful landscapes and serene country life in Taiwan. Raised in a poor farmer's family, Ran felt a strong connection for the farmers and the land. He genuinely cared for them and their living circumstances, and as a result their figuration became a major theme in his painting, through which one can intensely observe his intense feeling for their existence. Two lots offered in this sale are excellent representatives of this genre. The color of Mother and Son (Lot 1436) is saturated in a light and elegant hue which vividly reflects the moisture and temperature in Taiwan. Figures are outlined in graceful curves, creating a gentle composition that imparts vivid emotions. The expression on the mother's face is unclear as she hunches her back and leans on a walking stick. Her bony hands holding the stick belie her weariness, but also convey a strong sense of perseverance against difficulty in life. Fishing Harvest & Village (Lot 1437) depicts the quotidian activities in a countryside fishing village in a similar warm color tone. Fishing Harvest portrays fishermen closing the net and returning home on a rainy day, and Village depicts farmers unloading rice from an ox-wagon to the cottage on a sunny day. The two paintings show weather of strong contrast: the former is full of moisture and the latter is dry and clean. With his swift and clear brushstrokes, the artist successfully represents the different natural environments and the strenuous labor of farmers and fishermen through both paintings. The rich palette and subtle gradation of color further strengthen the artistic appeal of the paintings.