Born in Rochdale, Stott studied at the Manchester Academy of Fine Arts and in Paris under Carolus-Duran and Cabanel. His rural naturalism was particularly noted for its atmospheric effects.

He spent much of his working life at Amberley in Sussex, where the surrounding countryside provided the inspiration for his paintings.

Whilst initially inspired by Bastien-Lepage, Stott was more often compared to Millet for the timeless qualities of his landscapes.