Hollywood actress Naomi Watts is to pose in nude for a painting by a leading Australian artist.

According to contactmusic.com, the King Kong star has agreed to pose for David Bromley, who is famed for his nude portraits of famous women, as part of his submission for Australia's prestigious Archibald Prize next year.

Bromley, who has also painted Kylie Minogue, is delighted that Watts, who is currently expecting her second child, has agreed to the project.

"I think she will fit the pop (culture) quality of what I do really well, (also) she has these amazing eyes and a really strong gaze, which is why she is wonderful as an actress," he said.

No date has been set for the painting but it is believed that Watts will pose for the picture after she gives birth to her second child with actor boyfriend Live Schreiber in the new year.