Maria Waag

is a Norwegian artist with a background in biology, based in Italy. She lives and works between Oslo and Milan.

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Her work explores biodiversity through botanical illustration, wildlife studies, and nature-inspired fine art. Informed by scientific curiosity and a lifelong fascination with the natural world, her paintings combine close observation with artistic sensitivity to reveal the intricate forms, patterns, and relationships found in living systems.

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Raised in Oslo, Maria developed an early and sustained practice in drawing and painting. This creative foundation was later complemented by formal studies in biology and years of field experience observing plants, animals, fungi, and marine ecosystems in environments ranging from the Arctic to tropical rainforests and coral reefs.

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Working across watercolor, pencil, brush pen, acrylic markers, dry pastel, oil pastel, and mixed media, she creates both detailed scientific studies and more interpretive works inspired by nature. Her subjects range from wildflowers and mushrooms to marine life, fruits, and vegetables—each approached with the same sense of curiosity, precision, and wonder.

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For Maria, painting is a way of slowing down and looking more closely. Whether working outdoors, from collected specimens, or from the quiet observations of everyday life, her practice is rooted in the belief that attention fosters connection, and that connection can inspire greater appreciation and care for the natural world.

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Her work is available as original artworks, fine art prints, and commissions, and has been exhibited in Italy and Norway.

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Maria is a member of Associazione Autori di Immagini, Italy’s leading professional association for illustrators and visual artists.​