I have an Alice Worthing Ball Oil Based painting. The dimensions are
about 42 inches by 36 inches. I would like to know what the value is
for this painting.

If nobody gives you an answer and you live in the New York, Sotheby's,
Christie's and Doyle auction houses all have certain days of the week
where you can bring in items and they do free appraisals.  You can
also take a digital photo (or scan a regular one) of it and e-mail it
to them and they will give you a general appraisal, even if you have
no intention of submitting the painting for auction.  I e-mailed a
photo to Doyle a few months ago for a mid-century chair and got a
response within a few days.

I live in Maryland, about 20 Minutes outside Washington DC. Is there a
Sotheby's, Christie's and Doyle aution house in this area?

I'm not sure where all the branches of these auction houses are.
If you type "Sotheby's" and the other two in quotation marks in
Google, their websites will pop up and you can see where their
other offices are.  But even if there's nothing near you, it 
doesn't matter -- 'cause all you have to do is take a photograph
of your painting...including a close-up of the signature and
mail or e-mail it to them.  There's something so satifsying
about e-mailing it, but snail mail works, too.  THeir
websites will give you info on how to do it.

Hi gracioussound,
While doing some research on your question, I contacted the Maryland
State Archives with your request and received this reply today.

“The State of Maryland owns one painting by Alice Worthington Ball,
titled,
“Loch Raven,” as part of The Peabody Collection. It was painted circa
1915.
The artist died in 1929. An image of the painting is available at the
Archives web site at http://www.mdarchives.state.md.us/  
Follow the links for “Art Collection,” and then “Peabody Collection.”
You will find it referenced under the artist's name.
The Maryland State Archives does not offer appraisals of privately
owned artwork. If you would like further research about Marylander
Alice Worthington Ball, the fee for research is $50.00 per hour.
Sincerely,
Elaine Rice Bachmann”
Email: elaineb@mdarchives.state.md.us

I hope this information helps you in your search. Good luck.
Best regards,
rainbow
Google Answers Researcher