Digital colourist and pin-up artist Drew Posada passed away recently due to complications from a pancreatitis. He was 37. Drew was best known as one of the pioneering digital colorists, working for several Image studios including Wildstorm, Top Cow, Avalon and others during the mid to late 1990s. He later left comic books to pursue a career as a pin-up artist.
Friend and writer Joe Vitzen reported his passing on his Blog:
I have been friends with Drew since January of 2005 when I approached him for a commission piece. Over the past year or so, Drew had become like a mentor, brother and therapist for me. Someone who always took the time out to listen and help with a problem if he could. Drew is the single reason why I even became interested in comic coloring in the first place.
Condolences from Newsarama to family and loved ones.
January 8th, 2007 at 1:35 pm
Drew was immensely, ridiculously talented. He was a pioneer and generous beyond belief with his knowledge and ability to motivate others.
I wrote a brief rememberance here.
http://robliefeld.proboards84.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=1168127697
January 9th, 2007 at 9:57 am
This is terrible news, what a talented guy. he will be missed.
January 9th, 2007 at 10:46 am
37? geez, that’s so sad. Judging by that pic he was incredibly talented too. What a loss.
January 9th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
Both my brother and I have chronic pancreatitis; it can be a brutal disease at times, and at other times you almost forget you have it. I’m glad he was able to find success is his field. I’m saddened to hear of his passing and pass my condolences on his family and friends.
January 9th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
This is so sad, he was so young and so talented, I cherish those Wicked covers he did for Image, they just seem to pop right out the paper to jump at you.
January 9th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
Sad news. That’s just so young.
Rob…is there a PUBLIC place we can read what you wrote?
Thanks
January 9th, 2007 at 3:13 pm
I haven’t seen Drew in a long time but i had the honor of being his friend as well as worked with him for a couple of years back in the early 90′s. He inspired me in so many ways. I always appreciated his skills but mostly his honesty and integrity. He always pushed me to do my own thing, the foundation of Drew.
I was blessed to have had the chance to know Drew. His presence will certainly be missed in the art world.
My heart goes out to his family, his lady Dawn and his brother Alex.
He was a rightous brutha and I will carry his spirit through the rest of my journey.
January 9th, 2007 at 11:00 pm
This is such sad news, Drew was indeed a wonderful artist and will be greatly missed in the artworld, but I’m sure it is a much greater loss for his family and friends. I am so terribly sorry for you loss and will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love Mel
January 10th, 2007 at 12:03 am
Drew will be missed by so many of us in the psp community.
His work was amazing.
Prayers to his family.
Rest in Peace Drew.
January 10th, 2007 at 12:08 am
A talented young man is now with the angels
May he rest in peace
My condolences to his family and friends
January 10th, 2007 at 12:30 am
taken at such a young age and what a great talent!
he will be sorely missed in the art world
My deepsest condolences and prayers to the family and friends
January 10th, 2007 at 12:30 am
Very sad news, he was so young and talented, my condolences to his family, he will defenetly be missed
January 10th, 2007 at 12:49 am
It’s so sad when we loose some one so young. It’s very bad to loose someone as talented as Drew. He will be greatly missed !
January 10th, 2007 at 1:50 am
I am truly saddened by the news that Drew Posada has passed away at such a young age. He was a wonderful, talented artist and well loved by many in the PSP community. He will be missed. My thoughts & prayers go out to his family & friends.
January 10th, 2007 at 7:59 am
So sorry to hear of the untimely passing of Drew. Loved his art and as one of the many PSP users we will miss his wonderful creativity.
Deepest condolences to his family and friends at this sad time.
January 10th, 2007 at 8:24 am
I am terribly saddened to hear this devastating news. Drew was loved by many many people that did not know him on a personal level as well as those that did. My hearltfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers to all.
Drew we are going to miss you, but will keep your spirit alive with your amazing artwork. Thank you so much for allowing the psp community to use it, and thank you for inspiring and mentoring the closet artists (we thank you so very much)
with much love and respect,
Kathryn
January 10th, 2007 at 8:57 am
My thoughts and prayers are with Drews family. What a sad day Drew was an incredible artist. And always wonderful to the psp community. He will be sadly missed.
My hearttfelt condolences to all that were close to him.
Diane
January 10th, 2007 at 9:40 am
A great artist with a huge heart. He had time for many even if only via email. My deepest condolences to his nearest and dearest. Rest in peace with the Angels Drew, even though you live on here through your art.
January 10th, 2007 at 11:14 am
Mr.Posada’s art has been a staple in our PSP group since the day it opened 5 1/2yrs ago. His work brought joy to us all. We always thought the world of Drew. He will be greatly missed in our group and many others I’m sure. His family will be kept in our thoughts and prayers.
Paint the heavens like only you can Drew
Sincerly,
The DreamSigsAnimation Family
January 10th, 2007 at 11:26 am
omg he was such a fantastic artist with a fantastic eye for detail the art world will be such a sad place with out this marvelous man his work was awesome he may have passed but his name will live on thru his artwork for many yrs to com
a devoted drew fan
WorldOfAnimation
from managers and members
January 10th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
This is truly so sad.
He was a wonderful Artist and will be
missed by so many in the PSP Community.
Sincerly
HonkyTonkinPSPCorral
January 10th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
The loss of his talent at such a young age is tragic for all who knew him and his great artistic ability. However, there is solace in the fact that his immortality is assured through his art.
Alan
January 10th, 2007 at 12:46 pm
This is so Sad,My heart goes out to his Fmaily and fiends
January 10th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
R.I.P Drew. Thank you for allowing taggers to use your awesome artwork. You will be missed by many people. R.I.P
January 10th, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Im so sad to hear this I loved his work & to die so yung is so very sad . May he paint the heavens.
January 10th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
That is really sad. I agree with Alan’s comment above.
January 10th, 2007 at 2:33 pm
What tragic news to hear of Drew’s passing. My heart goes out to his family and all who loved him. He will be very sorely missed in the art and PSP communities. God bless xx
January 10th, 2007 at 2:51 pm
I am saddened by this news. But at least his suffering has ended also. His work will always be admired and for this he will always be with us. For those of you that knew him personally… I hope that your pain will pass quickly and the memory of him will be overwhelming.
January 10th, 2007 at 3:46 pm
I am truly saddened by the news that Drew Posada has passed away at such a young age. He was a wonderful, talented artist and well loved by many in the PSP community. He will be missed. My thoughts & prayers go out to his family & friends.
January 10th, 2007 at 5:31 pm
the artworld at large has lost a great talent. So young… so unfortunate. My condolences.
edward
January 10th, 2007 at 6:46 pm
He will be truly missed. He was a gifted artist and his work was loved by many. May his family and friends find some peace and comfort in the knowledge that he no longer suffers and waits for them at Heavens gate. Saying a prayer for all who knew him. God bless
January 10th, 2007 at 11:42 pm
Condolences to Drew’s Family~Such a loss and way to young.
My thoughts and prayers are with you~God Bless
January 11th, 2007 at 1:23 am
My thought and prayers are with his family and all of us who loved his works…so talented and so young to leave us ..love and missed by so many…
An artist has been taken by the angels…to suffer no more
God Bless..
Carolyn
January 11th, 2007 at 1:32 pm
Hargh! That sucks, I liked him. He’s the reason I bought Tony Daniel comics…
January 11th, 2007 at 8:46 pm
What a terrible tragedy, may he rest in peace with the beauty of which he created, you will be greatly missed!!
January 14th, 2007 at 10:40 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with Drew’s friends and family at this sad time. You will be missed Drew.
January 16th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
mis mas sentidas condolencias
January 16th, 2007 at 7:04 pm
Cuanto lo siento…..mis sentidas condolencias a la familia, Talentos como el de él se siente en el corazon
January 16th, 2007 at 7:38 pm
Drew….There isn’t a day that goes by that Dawn, Alex and you are not in my thoughts and prayers. Though we were friends for a short time, I can not even begin to express the positive effect you had on my life. You will always be my teacher, my friend and my brother. I love you and I miss you bro.
January 17th, 2007 at 4:58 am
My thoughts and prayers are with Drews family R.I.P
January 17th, 2007 at 10:38 pm
That news mas sad. A very big loss for whom know for his beautiful works.
My condolences to his family and friends for this event.
January 18th, 2007 at 10:47 pm
I’m so sorry to learn of Drew’s passing! He not only produced beautiful art, but he was a beautiful person. He was a great friend of the PSP community, always freely allowing us to use his art to help develope ours. He will be GREATLY missed. My prayers are with his family and many, many friends.
January 22nd, 2007 at 4:10 pm
Drew was a bright and brilliant star. The sky seems so empty now that he’s gone. There are dark times ahead for anyone who knew him.
January 22nd, 2007 at 7:36 pm
I feel out of touch, but Drew was a neighbor and dear friend of mine. I was shocked to hear of his passing. A true talent and pioneer of digital pin-up and comic art. His legacy is his art, and that will stand the test of time.
R.I.P, Andrew.
January 24th, 2007 at 6:05 pm
Very sadly Drew passed away late Thursday night January 04, 2007. The diagnosis was acute pancreatitis. His brother Alex, Alexs’ wife Francine, and I were by his side.
Alex, I, and the rest of Drews family would like to thank everyone for their support during this time. Drew absolutely was so full of like that it is difficult to imagine it without him. Your kind words, thoughts, and prayers truely help us get through these days and nights. If it is possible for Drew to take a break and rest, know that he is doing so peacefully.
Thank you…Thank you very much.
January 25th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
What a tragedy and what a loss for the art community and for his family. He will be sorely missed in the psp community…
January 25th, 2007 at 6:19 pm
HIS ART WAS GENIOUS I FELL IN LOVE WITH HIS WORK AND AM SAD TO LEARN OF HIS DEATH
May 4th, 2007 at 10:51 am
WoW! I guess I am a little late.. I love you Drew. Ever since I fell in love with his work in 2002.
December 26th, 2007 at 7:57 pm
Does anyone know how to get a hold of his twin brother, Alex. Alex is also a very talented artist
January 23rd, 2008 at 1:28 pm
I was a good friend of Drew and Dawn. Unfortunatly I was away in medical school at the time of his death. I am very sorry that I have lost contact with Dawn. If anyone can help me with a new email or phone number I would be greatful. Thank you for your time and help.
John Ryan
February 19th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Alex…I’m so sorry. Email me.
April 28th, 2008 at 3:26 am
I am so saddened to just learn of Drew’s death. He had created artwork of a girl whose image has become very near and dear to my heart, and I actually began this search to learn licensing information. My condolences to all who knew and loved him.
July 1st, 2008 at 9:42 am
Wow, man. Here I am, July ’08 and i’m just now finding this out. It’s crazy, because i’ve been trying to break into comics for the longest, and I exchanged a few emails with Drew where he was greatly encouraging to me.
(Those who read it might recall an issue of the Tenth by Tony Daniels where I wrote a letter– under the same pen name– praising “whoever the colorist was” for doing such a great coloring job. Issue #10 I think, or thereabouts.) That was when I became a fan. I’ve yet to see someone who can do the things with digital colors that Drew could. He told me he admired the legends, people like Sorayama and Olivia. Me being an aspiring writer who wants to be as good as the greats, people like Ellis and Moore, I could definitely relate.
Everything these people are saying is true. The guy didn’t know me from Adam, and he practically did everything he could to help me out. He even said he might consider helping me out with the colors for the cover to my submission to Image. Such a cool guy. Truly a loss. I’m saddened as if I knew the guy personally. (wish I did, for that matter.)
I hoped to meet him one day. Maybe hang out, have a beer. My condolensces, definitely.
September 1st, 2008 at 1:46 am
Drew painted several commissions for me of my girlfriend and of several vintage P-47 Thunderbolt airplanes for me. I would love to contact his twin brother to see if he would paint several more commissions. Does anyone know how to contact Alex?
Contact me at bomeara@omearaford.com
Drew was so talented
January 15th, 2010 at 5:15 pm
Drew touched my life…..i am shocked and i still can not believe he is gone….Drew loved to talk! and help people and we shared very intimate conversations…..we would talk for hours!
I will sherish and never forget his sincerity and euniqueness…..
i want to thank God for the opportunity to have met him….as brief as it was (aprox 2 years) he touched my life……
i am lucky and honored to have some of his personal stuff autographed and addressed to ME!!!
Drew i forever love you!!!! THANK YOU, your friend Escarlet
emangandy@hotmail.com
January 15th, 2010 at 5:23 pm
two years and seven days later and i just cried my guts out
for you!!!!!!! why God???!!!
February 13th, 2010 at 3:10 am
This continues to bother me..I had always wished I could have run into Drew again.
March 23rd, 2010 at 6:25 am
Drew and I were buds. I commissioned him to color one of my pin ups and since then we were always talking about comics an everything else you can think of. He was the true definition of a friend. He was big on loyalty, being honest and to do the very best that he can. He would tell me about how some people he did work for were kinda short on money and he would just hook them up with Killer art anyways. Drew was very generous and he wanted to share his gifts with the world.
I will cherish the times him, Dawn and I hung out at his home and when he came to New York to visit. We had a Blast!!! I was drunk yelling at garbage trucks and they would laugh, whether it was with me or at me til this day I still don’t know. He was such an amazing talent but he was even more an amazing friend.
I wish he was still around cause I never had a friend like him, ever.
November 27th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
I am interested in purchasing Drew Posada art. I lost several pieces during Hurricane Katrina. Or if you could place me in touch with someone who has one I want, I would pay a finder’s fee. Thank you so very much. Please contact me at alternateaddress@gmail.com
February 25th, 2011 at 2:45 pm
This is Connor Drew’s youngest brother. Been trying to get in contact with Dawn for yrs with no luck. If anyone can help my temp email for this purpose is guinnessred@yahoo.com thx