Final answer:
African rock paintings differ from European and Australian ones by featuring shading and other techniques that add depth and a three-dimensional quality to the art, along with unique pigment compositions and preparation of the painting surfaces.
Step-by-step explanation:
African rock paintings are distinct from European and Australian rock paintings in several ways. One notable feature that African rock paintings have is the use of shading, a technique not commonly observed in European and Australian counterparts. Utilizing various pigments, the African artists were able to create a sense of depth and three-dimensionality in their work. The pigments in African rock art included red and orange made from ochres, whites from zinc oxides, black from charcoal, browns from hematite, and uniquely African blue from iron. The artists often prepared the wall surfaces by scraping them clean before painting, which may have contributed to the three-dimensional quality observed in their work.
By focusing on the creativity and imagination behind these works, we observe commonalities such as depictions of animals and human figures, as well as patterns and textures unique to the region. The African rock art tradition is also characterized by a variety of styles, and the subjects often include imagery of daily life, hunting scenes, and sometimes complex scenes involving animal interactions.