A prominent theme in Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff is unconditional love and belonging.

Throughout the story, Hollis Woods, a foster child, struggles to find a permanent home and a sense of belonging. She initially feels unworthy of love due to her past experiences in the foster care system, where she often ran away, feeling like "a mountain of trouble" 157. However, her relationships with two key families—the Regans and Josie—help her understand and accept love. The Regans make her feel like a part of their family even when she doubts herself, and Josie provides her with a sense of purpose and mutual care 45.

Additionally, the novel explores themes like the importance of family, whether traditional or unconventional, and the healing power of art. Hollis's artistic talent reflects her emotions and becomes a medium through which she processes her experiences and memories. Her art serves as both a connection to the people she loves and a means of self-expression and identity 256.

The journey Hollis undertakes is not only about finding a physical home but also about discovering her self-worth and the meaning of family. Through her relationships and her art, she eventually learns to embrace love and belonging, even with imperfections 47.