What technique is used to create an image formed through the application of dots?

The technique that creates an image through the application of dots is known as halftone. Halftone printing works by utilizing small dots of varying sizes and spacing to simulate different shades of gray or color in an image. This method breaks down a full image into a pattern of dots that, when viewed from a distance, blend together to create the appearance of a continuous tone. This approach is particularly prevalent in printing photographs and illustrations, as it allows the reproduction of subtle gradations in light and texture while using a limited range of ink colors.

Halftone is distinct from the other techniques listed. Scumbling, for instance, refers to a painting technique where a dry brush is used to create a broken color effect, resulting in a softer appearance rather than a dot-based image. Tessellation involves the tiling of shapes without any gaps or overlaps, which does not relate to the dot application method. Alkyd paint is a type of oil paint that dries faster and has a different chemical composition compared to traditional oils, but it does not specifically pertain to the formation of images using dots. Thus, halftone is accurately identified as the technique focused on the application of dots to create an image.