A prolific painter of oils and watercolors, Mason is best known for his depictions of all varieties of ships, the English Coastline and harbor scenes. A unique quality to his work is his sensitivity to the subject matter while retaining a forthright painter's strength using strong colors and straightforward technique.

He was educated aboard the training ship H.M.S. CONWAY; he also served the R.N.V.R. and as commissioned naval artist in the First World War. (From this period's work, Mason contributed fifty-six of his paintings to the Imperial War Museum.)

With continual access to the ships of the world, Mason centered himself in the community of Ebbertson Hall in Yorkshire along the northeastern coast of England near the port and resort town of Scarsborough.