Born in Auckland, 1945, Ian Scott's painting career spans some four decades. He is a major New Zealand artist of the Post McCahon generation who has remained innovative and experimental in his practice. Studying under the tuition of Garth Tapper (1927-1999) at Kelston Boys High School, he won numerous junior art competitions during his youth including a section of the Kelliher Art Prize in 1965. He entered Elam School of Fine Arts at Auckland University in 1964. Scott's art is held in the collections of public galleries and private collections throughout New Zealand. His lattice works have become icons of contemporary painting in this country.

A publication titled 'Ian Scott', was published in 1998 by art critic Warwick Brown.