Ian Scott Massie was born in London and grew up in Buckinghamshire close to the childhood home of Paul Nash, who is an abiding influence in his work. Massie studied under Romeo di Girolamo (currently President of the Royal Society of British Artists) and began his professional career while a student at Durham University. Working first in oils, his work progressed through acrylic ink and paint before he became widely known as a watercolourist. More recently he has returned to screenprinting, which he first practised in the 1970s.

He has specialised for some time in single themed exhibitions which have included The Buildings of York, Paintings of Fountains Abbey and From William's Words. In addition to this, he exhibits regularly at galleries throughout Britain and has work in print with major publishers. His books of painting and poetry includes Under a Northern Sky, Spirit of Place and Journeys and he has written for several art magazines.

Massie holds a B.Ed. and an MA. He is a founder and events coordinator of the Masham Arts Festival and a director of Artisan Arts and Crafts Teaching Studio.