Well they appear around the first zone, just past Monsters, so I'd say they're kinda early. And they've been around there for years already without having art.
I agree that they have to find balance, but I feel like in that balance the art is falling way behind the rest while being one of the most important parts. Take this last patch for example. Music for the Elf Lady is nice (I guess) but seriously, how long has she been around and we still don't have art for scenes with her?
I understand that there's only one person doing all the art, and it's quality art so it takes long, but I think it can be fixed hiring someone to do the coloring instead of wasting resources in IDK, Golem talk music. Not that having the later is not nice, but I think we can all agree that having art is a higher priority.
There are, and they are pretty good, but I get what you mean, there's plenty of scenes that are only text for now.