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Agency during an open call. She was later featured with upcoming models on e Merv Griffin Show. Famed photographer Richard Avedon saw her, and Vogue flew her to New York for a multi-page photo shoot. "It was a game changer and unheard of in those days for a new face to be featured in Vogue without first spending time working in Europe," she reflects. Avedon later photographed her for Revlon's "Unforgettable Women" advertising campaign. Kathryn and her husband, John, decided to move to Manhattan so she could sign with Ford Models, and also to advance his legal career. "It was the right decision," Stephens says. "It was the big hair decade." She had plenty of it — a thick mane of curly red hair for which she earned the nickname "Red." During the 1980s, Stephens traveled all over the U.S. and the world for photo shoots and fashion shows: Milan, Rome, Paris, London, Germany, Kenya, and Mexico. She worked with such top photographers as Francesco Scavullo, Patrick Demarchelier, Arthur Elgort, and Horst. Her favorite designers included Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Givenchy, Galanos, Giorgio Armani, Emanuel Ungaro, Bill Blass, Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Geoffrey Beene, Gianni Versace, Issey Miyake, Jean Paul Gaultier, Perry Ellis, and so many more. Her experience as a model has informed her art, including her eye for composition and the importance of lighting. "Lighting is everything, yes. For painting, I strive to capture natural light and how it changes color and texture," she says. "I notice the smallest details and for me, a successful work is interesting up close as well as from a distance. A painting should draw the viewer in." After living for many years on New York's Upper West Side, the couple decided that it was time to move on and start a family. ey sat in Central Park on Sunday afternoons, she recalls, making a list of cities and states, crossing them off one by one, until eventually settling on San Diego as "the perfect place to set down roots," she says. ey initially lived in Alpine, later moving to La Jolla where they raised their two (now grown) children. ey also have three grandchildren. John is a partner at the law firm of Dinsmore & Shohl. "I love the village, the sense of community and the natural beauty of La Jolla," says Stephens. "It's a wonderful place to go for walks in the neighborhood or along the coast. I also appreciate the milder climate as I am not a sun worshiper and love those thick marine layer mornings. You won't hear me complaining about 'June Gloom.'" e couple gives high marks to Le Coq, Brian Malarkey's new restaurant (reviewed in this issue), along with Eddie V's and Piatti. "La Jolla has so many great places for food and shopping," says Stephens. "Warwick's [bookstore] is a regular destination!" Stephens has generously given her time to many nonprofits, co-chairing the Las Patronas Jewel Ball, the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute Gala, the Salvation Army Women of Dedication luncheon, and last year's St. Germaine Children's Charity Silver Tea. She also serves on the board of the La Jolla Art Association and the Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild in order to get to know other artists and explore opportunities to exhibit her work. "Art has given me the gift of really seeing our world and reflecting who we are," she says. "I love new challenges and pushing where the creative process goes. I feel very fortunate and appreciate this gift." Stephens is currently represented by the Perry Gallery in La Jolla Shores. 760.877.4411, kathrynrstephens.com COURTESY PHOTOGRAPHY @ranchandcoast La Jolla Cove