"He has amazing hair. It's very unruly and he's a composer," Ms Wilson said.

Despite knowing she had found the perfect candidate for a striking portrait, Ms Wilson never dreamed it would make her a finalist in the world's richest portrait prize, the Doug Moran.

Selected among 30 finalists to be in the running for the $150,000 first prize, Ms Wilson now has just weeks to wait until the judges deliver their final decision.

Mr McDonald, a neighbour of Ms Wilson, has composed scores for theatre, film and small ensembles and has been the musical director for musical productions around Australia including many productions for the Melbourne Theatre Company.

"He was very appealing to paint. He's got a very calm demeanor and a wonderful sense of humour," Ms Wilson said.

Ms Wilson had two paintings of Mr McDonald, one for the Archibald and one for the Moran.

The first painting was chosen to be hung in the Archibald's Salon de refuse, the "rest of the best" _ a great honour in itself.

Ms Wilson said she had never dreamed of entering the two prestigious art prizes until encouraged by fellow artist David Bryant.

But as an artist she had always been drawn to portraits.

"As a child I always loved to sketch peoples faces," she said.

"I love the eyes and as they say, they're the windows to the soul."

The Moran Portrait prize will open on August 10 at the State Library of NSW, and the announcement of the winners will take place on the opening night.