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.
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
Comment by rob liefeld — January 8, 2007 @ 1:35 pm
This is terrible news, what a talented guy. he will be missed.
Comment by jimmy palmiotti — January 9, 2007 @ 9:57 am
37? geez, that’s so sad. Judging by that pic he was incredibly talented too. What a loss.
Comment by EmeraldGuy32 — January 9, 2007 @ 10:46 am
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.
Comment by DevsterC — January 9, 2007 @ 12:20 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.
Comment by Eric Arsenault — January 9, 2007 @ 1:08 pm
Sad news. That’s just so young.
Rob…is there a PUBLIC place we can read what you wrote?
Thanks
Comment by Scott Christian Sava — January 9, 2007 @ 3:11 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.
Comment by SNAKEBITE — January 9, 2007 @ 3:13 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
Comment by Melissa — January 9, 2007 @ 11:00 pm
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.
Comment by Jaydin — January 10, 2007 @ 12:03 am
A talented young man is now with the angels
May he rest in peace
My condolences to his family and friends
Comment by Sharon — January 10, 2007 @ 12:08 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
Comment by Leslie — January 10, 2007 @ 12:30 am
Very sad news, he was so young and talented, my condolences to his family, he will defenetly be missed
Comment by Christina — January 10, 2007 @ 12:30 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 !
Comment by Doris — January 10, 2007 @ 12:49 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.
Comment by Renee — January 10, 2007 @ 1:50 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.
Comment by George Murray — January 10, 2007 @ 7:59 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
Comment by Kathryn — January 10, 2007 @ 8:24 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
Comment by Diane — January 10, 2007 @ 8:57 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.
Comment by Ann Nash — January 10, 2007 @ 9:40 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
Comment by Annie — January 10, 2007 @ 11:14 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
Comment by lyndia — January 10, 2007 @ 11:26 am
This is truly so sad.
He was a wonderful Artist and will be
missed by so many in the PSP Community.
Sincerly
HonkyTonkinPSPCorral
Comment by Moneica Slane — January 10, 2007 @ 12:07 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
Comment by Alan Gaudette — January 10, 2007 @ 12:33 pm
This is so Sad,My heart goes out to his Fmaily and fiends
Comment by Teresa — January 10, 2007 @ 12:46 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
Comment by Patricia — January 10, 2007 @ 12:53 pm
Im so sad to hear this I loved his work & to die so yung is so very sad . May he paint the heavens.
Comment by Susan — January 10, 2007 @ 12:55 pm
That is really sad. I agree with Alan’s comment above.
Comment by Chris — January 10, 2007 @ 1:37 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
Comment by NickyM — January 10, 2007 @ 2:33 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.
Comment by Janine — January 10, 2007 @ 2:51 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.
Comment by Caroline — January 10, 2007 @ 3:46 pm
the artworld at large has lost a great talent. So young… so unfortunate. My condolences.
edward
Comment by Edward — January 10, 2007 @ 5:31 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
Comment by Donna — January 10, 2007 @ 6:46 pm
Condolences to Drew’s Family~Such a loss and way to young.
My thoughts and prayers are with you~God Bless
Comment by Sheila — January 10, 2007 @ 11:42 pm
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
Comment by Carolyn — January 11, 2007 @ 1:23 am
Hargh! That sucks, I liked him. He’s the reason I bought Tony Daniel comics…
Comment by Redmond — January 11, 2007 @ 1:32 pm
What a terrible tragedy, may he rest in peace with the beauty of which he created, you will be greatly missed!!
Comment by kellie — January 11, 2007 @ 8:46 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with Drew’s friends and family at this sad time. You will be missed Drew.
Comment by melissa — January 14, 2007 @ 10:40 pm
mis mas sentidas condolencias
Comment by lisa — January 16, 2007 @ 5:45 pm
Cuanto lo siento…..mis sentidas condolencias a la familia, Talentos como el de él se siente en el corazon
Comment by Jackie — January 16, 2007 @ 7:04 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.
Comment by Joe — January 16, 2007 @ 7:38 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with Drews family R.I.P
Comment by b&bdesigns — January 17, 2007 @ 4:58 am
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.
Comment by Angie — January 17, 2007 @ 10:38 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.
Comment by Patti — January 18, 2007 @ 10:47 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.
Comment by ereseigh — January 22, 2007 @ 4:10 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.
Comment by Alexander — January 22, 2007 @ 7:36 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.
Comment by Dawn — January 24, 2007 @ 6:05 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…
Comment by Marcy Vaught — January 25, 2007 @ 3:53 pm
HIS ART WAS GENIOUS I FELL IN LOVE WITH HIS WORK AND AM SAD TO LEARN OF HIS DEATH
Comment by NESSA — January 25, 2007 @ 6:19 pm
WoW! I guess I am a little late.. I love you Drew. Ever since I fell in love with his work in 2002.
Comment by Jaden — May 4, 2007 @ 10:51 am
Does anyone know how to get a hold of his twin brother, Alex. Alex is also a very talented artist
Comment by brian — December 26, 2007 @ 7:57 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
Comment by John Ryan — January 23, 2008 @ 1:28 pm
Alex…I’m so sorry. Email me.
Comment by Steph the Bookkeeper @ ATD — February 19, 2008 @ 2:36 pm
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.
Comment by Leann — April 28, 2008 @ 3:26 am