Lipstick Painting By Sarasota Artist Honors Betty White, Raises Funds For Humane Society

SARASOTA, FL — Artist Alexis Fraser, known professionally as Lipstick Lex, created a unique painting of Betty White in her signature style — using lipstick as her medium and “adorned with kisses” — to honor what would have been the late actress’ 100th birthday Monday, she shared on Instagram.

The Sarasota-based artist partnered with the Humane Society of Tampa Bay to create the portrait, which is being auctioned off to raise funds for the organization. The auction can be found online here. As of Monday afternoon, bidding was at $750.

White, known for her roles on “The Golden Girls,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “Hot in Cleveland,” died on New Year’s Eve. She was 99.

The iconic actress and comedian was also a lifelong animal advocate. Throughout her career, she raised money for various animal causes, including the Morris Animal Foundation and the Los Angeles Zoo.

In 1970-1971, she wrote, produced and hosted a syndicated TV show, "The Pet Set," to which celebrities brought their dogs and cats. She also wrote a 1983 book titled "Betty White's Pet Love: How Pets Take Care of Us," and, in 2011, published "Betty & Friends: My Life at the Zoo."

Fans around the world are honoring White on her birthday by donating to animal welfare charities, organizations and shelters. On social media, the movement has been dubbed the “BettyWhiteChallenge.

Fraser’s painting for the Humane Society is capitalizing on the tribute to White.

“It was by our Golden Girl’s request to honor her legacy by donating to a local animal shelter,” she posted on Instagram.

Her painting also honors the memory of her late aunt, who also died on New Year’s Eve and had a soft spot for animals.

“Coincidentally, our family’s beloved Aunt Claudia unexpectedly passed on the same day as Betty. She too never had children but found comfort and joy with animals (dogs in particular). It was also by her desire that folks donate to their local shelters in lieu of flowers and gifts,” Fraser wrote.

All proceeds raised from the painting will go directly to the Humane Society.