Why do we get that tingling sensation, that sudden wave of emotion, that thrill when we see the haystack paintings of Bruegel, Van Gogh and Monet?

Who would have thought haystacks would be so enthralling? Do they speak to our yearning for a simpler way of life?

We know from brain research that the color yellow arouses feelings of happiness. Yellow is the color of these haystacks.

Some of the greatest artists of our time have devoted themselves to painting these simple images.

The Harvesters, 1565
Pieter Bruegel the Elder (1925-1569)

The Flemish Renaissance artist, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, would put on disguises so he could participate in the life of the peasants…capturing their field labor and rollicking celebrations in his paintings.

The Harvesters portrays the arduous work of gathering the hay and the peasants’ joy of the well-earned picnic. Bruegel’s use of the golden yellow color of the hay fields is delightful to our senses.

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The Siesta, 1889
Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)

Hay gatherers are snoozing in Vincent Van Gogh’s famous painting, The Siesta. We sense the slow pace, the pleasure of a nap. Van Gogh uses his signature palette of intense yellows and blues to evoke emotion.

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Haystack at Sunset, 1890
Claude Monet (1840-1926)

Claude Monet, the Father of Impressionism, was so charmed in 1890 with haystacks he painted 25 canvases of them! These haystacks are astonishing with the differences in light at various times of day, seasons, and types of weather. They are some of the most beloved works of art in the world.

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This Bruegel video is almost as good as seeing his masterpieces in museums!
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For thrilling color, watch this brief van Gogh video.
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Watch this for Monet and all his glory.
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