More Than Words

Step into this corner of the site and discover a window into the rough-and-tumble world of the 1880s frontier. Here, you’ll find a gallery brimming with illustrations that capture the quiet grit of prairie homesteads and the clang of distant railways, alongside process reels that reveal each brushstroke and pencil line behind those images—like watching a ranch hand coax life out of a stubborn bronco. And as you browse, the soundtrack drifts through like a fiddle tune carried on the evening wind, evoking the dusty streets and glowing lanterns that once guided weary travelers across endless plains. It’s a glimpse of raw humanity and relentless hope, bound together by the very sights and sounds that shaped a bygone era.

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Illustrations for "The Reluctant Domestication of Thomas Calloway"

Location

American Frontier

Date

Began December, 2024

Project type

Gallery of illustrated works

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Anneliese Brubaker's recent project, 'The Reluctant Domestication of Thomas Calloway.' With a keen eye for detail and creativity, the author has crafted a stunning collection of illustrations that beautifully complement the immersive storytelling experience. Step into a realm where imagination knows no bounds, where the untamed frontier comes to life through art.

Graphite illustration of a pair of worn, oversized lace-up boots. The boots are loosely tied and appear slightly misshapen from heavy use. The texture of the pencil shading emphasizes their weathered, slumped structure, and they sit at an angle on textured paper with a faint signature reading “state of Kansas” in the lower right corner.

Charcoal drawing of a single gold tooth, rendered with soft shadows and subtle highlights. The tooth is angled to show its curved top and shallow grooves, suggesting it has been removed or discarded. Labeled faintly in pencil beside it is the phrase "tooth" in cursive. This illustration represents a key character detail from Chapter 1 of The Reluctant Domestication of Thomas Calloway.

Charcoal illustration of a weathered wooden wagon wheel leaning against a broken post in tall prairie grass. The spokes are unevenly shaded to suggest age and disrepair. The wheel is partially sunken into the ground, symbolizing abandonment or long-passed use. This image appears in Chapter 2 of The Reluctant Domestication of Thomas Calloway, marking the moment Thomas stumbles across the first signs of civilization after days alone on the plains.

Graphite drawing depicting the first meeting between a man and a horse. On the left, the soft muzzle of a horse reaches forward; on the right, a rough, outstretched human hand hovers mid-air, open and tentative. The two do not quite touch, evoking a sense of fragile connection. This moment illustrates Thomas and Honey’s first encounter in Chapter 2 of The Reluctant Domestication of Thomas Calloway, symbolizing mutual recognition between two weary souls.

Graphite illustration of a set of simple tools on a wooden surface: a well-used hammer with a worn handle, a folding knife, an open tin filled with neatly stacked nails, and a small rectangular sharpening stone. A few loose nails are scattered nearby. These tools were given to Thomas by an old carpenter in Chapter 2 of The Reluctant Domestication of Thomas Calloway, symbolizing a turning point from survival to usefulness, from wandering to rebuilding.

Graphite illustration of a horse in a moment of calm repose, with its head lowered and no bridle or tack in sight. The shading emphasizes the softness of the horse’s eye and the relaxed tension in the muscles around the jaw and neck. The background is minimal, drawing focus to the horse’s presence and stillness. This is a memory of Honey from Chapter 2 of The Reluctant Domestication of Thomas Calloway, evoking a rare moment of safety and ease in a life otherwise shaped by hardship.

Graphite illustration of a large stampede of bison thundering across the plains below a rocky ridge. On the ridge stands a man in a wide-brimmed hat with a rope at his side, and next to him a horse watches the herd. The bison stretch far into the background, filling the landscape under a cloudy sky.

Animated illustration of a star-filled night sky over a prairie landscape. A single falling star streaks gently across the frame as subtle clouds drift. At the bottom right, a silhouetted figure sits beside a resting horse beneath a sparse tree. This moment appears in Chapter 3 of The Reluctant Domestication of Thomas Calloway, symbolizing a rare pause in Thomas’s journey—one of quiet awe and distant hope.

Digital painting of a man and a horse huddled near a small fire inside a dilapidated barn. The man, dressed in dark clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, crouches near the flames with a haunted expression, while the horse rests protectively beside him. On the barn wall behind them, large looming shadows of two other men appear—one with circular spectacles—hinting at the ghosts of Thomas’s past. This image represents a pivotal scene from Chapter 4 of The Reluctant Domestication of Thomas Calloway, where Thomas battles through a blizzard, trauma, and hallucinations in a collapsing barn.

Illustration of a coyote skull with a wooden-handled knife lodged through its lower jaw, a red rose blooming from its temple. Behind the skull is a large blood splatter against a muted gray background. The image symbolizes violence, death, and transformation in Chapter 6 of The Reluctant Domestication of Thomas Calloway.

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Process Videos

Anneliese Brubaker Works

"Stampede" Drawing Process

00:54

Creating "Never Alone" in Procreate

00:19

The Soundtrack

Immerse yourself in a carefully curated playlist that enhances the mood for each scene. Each song has been thoughtfully selected by the author to evoke emotions and bring the narrative to life. From uplifting melodies haunting tunes, this collection captures the essence of story and invites you to experience every moment more vividly. Enjoy the journey through sound as you explore the scenes in a whole new way.