Picasso on Paper, Omer Tiroche

Picasso is the world's favourite artist. One of the most influential figures of the 20th century, he casts a hugely long shadow over the art-world - and will do for centuries. This autumn, the National Portait Gallery mount their major exhibition Picasso Portraits. At the same time, just down the road, a smaller, quieter exhibition is taking place. Mayfair Gallery Omer Tiroche have announced Picasso on Paper.

The show's made up of intimate collection of more than thirty works on paper, from throughout the artist's career. These are incredibly personal works: lovers, muses, nudes, friends. Following his great friend Matisse's death, Picasso began a series The painter and his model (above). These melancholy works explore the complex power relations between artist and model - a subject Matisse was obsessed with.

Picasso adored animals. "Pablo loved to surround himself with birds and other animals. Generally speaking, they were exempt from the mistrust that he had for his human friends", so said his muse Françoise Gilot. He formed a particular attachment to a dachshund called Lump who became famous for eating one of his cut-outs. You'll see several of his pets in the exhibition as well as bulls, horses and goats.

While his canvases thunder away at the National Portrait Gallery, this little show will be a poignant reminder of Picasso's skill. That such simple works - often, mere lines - can contain such energy, and express so much is a testament to his powers.