1) Let your eyes wander all over this artwork. Look in silence for at least thirty seconds. What do you notice? What does this artwork make you think about? How does it make you feel? What questions do you have about this work of art?
As I examined the art work, I noticed that the scene is exceptionally quiet and simple. The background does not distract from the subject, and the overall work is clean and fresh. While the fields surrounding the scholar are empty, Qiu Ying does not spare detail or allow the painting to fade away at the edges. The scene has a timeless feel that is independent from a specific location. It makes me feel tranquil, quiet, and peaceful. I can almost hear the water if I look at it long enough. I do wonder, are the round bumps in the water at the scholar's knees are frogs, rocks, or some other type of creature? The one at the viewer's right makes me think of the Hoji Frog, as it is leaning to one side and appears to have bulbous protrusions at the top that could be eyes. The artwork itself makes me think about spirituality, and connection between nature and oneself.
2) What does the scholar in this artwork notice? What might he be thinking about? What does he care about?
The scholar in this artwork seems to notice the pine boughs over his head, ripples in the water, and the earth, grass, and roots beneath him. It stands to reason that he also would have noticed ripples in the water and the mossy rocks to his left and right, and that he is alone. He is likely thinking about his connection with nature, and potentially beginning or ending a meditation. The qin and his sitting position show that the scholar cares about dedicating time to meditation and music.
3) How would you define a scholar today? What sort of knowledge should they have?
Today's scholars are well-read individuals, often university professors and museum staff. I would define a scholar as one who reads and analyzes works from particular cultures and time periods. They are people with intellectual specialties, who contribute original work to their field as they gain more knowledge. Scholars of a particular time period should be well-versed in prominent political figures and writings, works of art and music, entertainment, and social values. Scholars of language should be able to critically read all types of literature, and be familiar with multiple genres of music in that language. They should also be able to speak and write in their language of interest.